Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series continues with the fourth book, but this time the main character is a cowgirl. I greatly enjoyed this sweet story of ivy and Jericho who have known (and be attracted to) each other for years but have never expressed their feelings for each other. Ivy is a feisty heroine, basically raised by her older brothers. She can rope and ride with the best of the local cowboys. Jericho is an honorable hero, keeping his promise to Ivy’s brother, Dylan, not to see her as anything other than a little sister, but struggling with his feelings every step of the way.

Once again Hedlund has written a delightful romance set amidst the Colorado ranches of the 1860’s including the danger associated with outlaws and the search for treasure. This book kept me turning page after page to get to the end only to wish there were more pages to turn.

I believe that this story could be read as a stand-alone but would be better enjoyed by reading the other three books in the series.

I highly recommend this book to readers of clean historical fiction. I am definitely looking forward to the fifth book.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions stated are my own.

Falling for the Cowgirl
by Jody Hedlund
Pub Date 11 Oct 2022 | Archive Date 04 Jan 2023
Bethany House,Bethany House Publishers
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance


A copy of Falling for the Cowgirl was sent to me for review through Bethany House Publishers and Netgaley:


He shattered her heart years ago. She has to put her life in his hands now.

Ivy McQuaid can rope and ride with the roughest ranchers, since she's the only girl in her family. She's ready to have what she's always wanted--her own place. With her winnings from cowhand competitions she sneaks into, she's saving for a parcel of land south of Fairplay--but when the man she once loved reappears, her dream is jeopardized.

Jericho Bliss is back in South Park as an undercover Pinkerton agent hunting war criminals. He has no intention of involving a woman in the dangerous life he leads, but one look at Ivy makes him question everything he's doing.

Despite Jericho's best efforts, he finds himself falling hard and fast for the beautiful and vivacious Ivy. He puts her right in the middle of danger, fulfilling his worst fear. Ivy's life is on the line. Will Jericho give her up again, or will he find a way to get her back?

I give Falling for the Cowgirl five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Falling for the Cowgirl is the first cowboy/western romance I’ve read and now I’m hooked!

What to expect:
Ivy is an independent and headstrong woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to earn the money to start her own ranch. Things get complicated when her friend Jericho shows up after years away and they find their attraction never faded with time. Jericho manages to catch Ivy in all sorts of inappropriate moments (which are hilarious) and it’s so fun to watch their attraction grow into a blaze. With this book you get some of everything - humor, competition, suspense, and awesome chemistry.

Things I loved:
⛰ The strong family relationships portrayed
⛰ Jericho trying to take care of stubborn Ivy
⛰ Realistic conflict in familial and personal relationships
⛰ The lasso scene at the end of the book. No spoilers, but trust me on this one. Holy swoooony!

Tropes:
🐄 Best friend’s sister
🐄 Friends to lovers
🐄 Forbidden romance

While this is part of a series, you can definitely read it as a standalone. I could tell there was backstory on the other characters but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. I’m planning on going back and reading this series in order because I loved the characters and Jody’s writing style.

Falling for the Cowgirl is a lovely historical romance set in the late 1800s in Colorado. Protagonist Ivy has been masquerading as a man in order to compete in rodeo events that, as a woman, she wasn't allowed to join. She's trying to save up and buy a parcel of land to start her own ranch, away from her overbearing brothers who still see her as a child. Enter Jericho, her childhood friend and love interest who has come back into town after a couple years away. He's now a Pinkerton agent, searching for a wanted criminal who is supposedly hiding out nearby. Sparks begin flying between Ivy and Jericho instantly, but he's determined to keep his distance, for her safety. Will they give in to their mutual attraction? Will Jericho find who he's searching for? Or will everything go up in smoke? Give Falling for the Cowgirl a read and find out.

I absolutely loved Ivy. She is a spunky girl, who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to work for it. Her chemistry with Jericho is great from the start. Their interactions were all so fun to read. He makes a perfect love interest, balancing her out. The McQuaid brothers and their wives also piqued my interest. I haven't read the other books in the series, but am interested in picking them up after reading this one and getting glimpses into their stories. A fun, clean romance that gets two thumbs up from me.

4.5 stars, rounded up. This is one of those books that I am kicking myself for not reading it sooner. I've always had a love for Ivy when reading the previous books in this series and knew I'd love her story too. The unrequited and somewhat forbidden love, the tough girl who doesn't take crap from anyone, the boy that let her go, childhood friends, and a second chance for the ages.
This book is full of pining, handsome cowboys, romantic tension, "will they-won't they", delicious kisses, outlaws, and everything else wonderful that comes from the wild west.
I absolutely recommend reading this series in order.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bethany House for my complimentary copy of this book. All opinions here are my own.

I loved hearing Ivy McQuaid's story!
If you haven't read this series, you can jump in with this book. 😄 I did enjoy starting with book one and reading them in order.

This is an inspirational historical fiction book set in Colorado...and a little in Chicago. 😉 Ivy deals with her past, present, and future. She has a plan, gets derailed, finds a new plan, struggles with shattered dreams, and rebuilds with the help of friends and family. 💛

There is also a final chapter giving us a glimpse of rogue bro, Dylan! I can't wait for his story coming next year!!

Falling for the Cowgirl is the fourth book in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series about the McQuaid family. Although Ivy is the only girl in her family, she’s feisty, independent, and set on earning enough to buy her own land. With four older brothers to protect her, she’s got her work cut out for her. When undercover Pinkerton agent Jericho Bliss returns to Fairplay, Colorado looking for a criminal, he’s also got his work cut out for him trying to resist and protect Ivy.

Hedlund is a master at creating colorful, engaging characters and intriguing plots. I enjoyed seeing Ivy and Jericho interact. It was also fun to see some of the characters from the previous books in the series show up in this one. I would recommend this book and series to those who enjoy clean, wholesome historical romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

How much do I love that we get a western romance where the heroine is a cowgirl? And not only a cowgirl, but one who can out ride and out rope all the cowboys? All I can say is it is about time!

Ivy wants more from life than society thinks she should have as a woman so she sets out to get it, albeit by slightly unconventional means. Just when all seems to be going according to plan, Jericho Bliss walks back into town.

Ivy and Jericho have both spent the last two years trying to forget the other but it only takes minutes back in each other's company for the chemistry to ignite between them again and the story definitely has an enemies-to-lovers vibe.

Lots of romantic tension and so many swoony scenes! I felt for Ivy and her situation and even though she made some not-so-amazing decisions, she did grow and had a great story arc. Jericho was a complicated character and I understood his reasons behind everything, but I do wish that he expressed more about why he loved Ivy instead of always focusing on her physical appearance.

I was also annoyed with the McQuaid brothers. They basically ignore Ivy (and her wishes) but then get mad at her when she gets into trouble. C'mon guys! Luckily they pull it together eventually though it was Judd who ended up being one of the sweetest characters in the book.

Loved the mystery and all the turns and twists. This is just one of those books you don't want to put down! I am a huge fan of the series and am excited to pick up Dylan's book next. 4.5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.

Falling for the Cowgirl is Hedlund's fourth book in the Colorado Cowboys series and a fine addition. Ivy is the only girl in a family of four brothers who are establishing ranches in Colorado. Ivy has learned to work like a ranch hand with her brothers. She is independent and sometimes impulsive. When Jericho, the man who broke her heart, returns after an absence of two years, the sparks fly. Although the attraction is strong, the relationship is complex because Ivy has goals of her own despite the limited opportunities for women and Jericho leads a secret life as a Pinkerton agent and a bounty hunter. Both are bound by their pasts, will they be able to move forward into a successful relationship? Read the book and see. Highly recommended

Falling For the Cowgirl is the fourth book in the series and could be read alone, but I am sure you would love the other books also. This must read Western romance delivers a powerful, heart touching story you won’t want to put down. Ivy has always dreamed of owning her own sheep farm but has no means of earning money to purchase a farm. She can rope with the best of them. So she disguises herself as a man trying to win enough money in riding and roping contests to buy land for her sheep. So far her plans are successful and her brothers have not found out what she is doing. That is until Jericho Bliss comes back into town and enters the same roping contest. Surely he cannot recognize her, surely not! As always Jody Hedlund pens a delightful story full of quick-witted banter, romance and interesting characters. I enjoyed this ebook that was gifted me by the author and publisher and I am pleased to post a review.

Falling for the Cowgirl is Ivy McQuaid and Jericho Bliss’s story. If you’ve been following the Colorado Cowboys series, you’ll know these two always cause sparks when they’re together, and in this story, those sparks light a fire!
One of the fun things about a series like this is watching the characters evolve from book to book, and Ivy McQuaid has certainly changed. I thought Jody caught Ivy’s independence and immaturity perfectly in the portrait she painted of the young lady. There were many times I wanted to palm my forehead (and maybe even hers) with her behavior, but I also had to admire how hard she was willing to be brave and work for a life and home of her own.
The frenemies relationship between Ivy and Jericho created many entertaining scenes with bickering and bantering as well as spicy sparking. What happens when two intensely passionate and driven people collide? A fantastic story ensues!
Ivy and Jericho both have their own spiritual journeys. I wish there had been more mention of them sprinkled throughout the story, but I still thought the spiritual insights at the end of the novel were meaningful and thought-provoking. Thank goodness for seasoned men like Judd to steer these youngin’s the right direction.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, and I look forward to getting deeper into Dylan’s story in the next book. Fans of historical romance will want to add Falling for the Cowgirl to their TBR.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

🏔 Book Review 🏔
Title: Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund
Published: Oct 11th, 2022
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What do you get when you have a Pinkerton Agent on the hunt, bad guys in disguise, and a fiery young woman you are trying really hard to pretend you don’t have feelings for? Blazing smoke! You get one heck of a love story! Is this a kissing book? Wait wait. It is.
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This story is about Ivy McQuaid, the only sister to several very protective McQuaid brothers. Ivy is fiery, strong willed and determined to have her own home and ranch. She is also in love with her brothers best friend, Jericho Bliss who sees her as his kid sister!
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Reading the chemistry between these two and their banter set me into giggles. Some of the scrapes they get into make you laugh and swoon at the same time. It’s doesn’t take long to realize that they are both trying so hard to deny they have feelings for each other, that like a magnet trying to stay apart is nearly impossible!
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There is a little mystery/suspense as Jericho works undercover to find a ruthless war criminal and bring him to justice.
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This is the 4th book in the Colorado Cowboy series but reads beautifully as a stand alone novel. My only regret is that I havent gotten on with reading the first 3 stories already so I could get to know the rest of the McQuaid family!
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Jody Hedlund knows how to add all the spark ⚡️ with none of the 🌶 in this clean historical romance.
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Thank you @bethanyhousefiction for my gifted book all thoughts in this review are my own.

Finally Ivy gets a book! I love this spit fire girl and all her tough living. She definitely does not let being a woman in a mostly man's world stop her! She'll do whatever she has to to compete, earn money and see her dreams come true (in a moral way, of course)!

Jericho Bliss is back on business but he can't let people know that. Nor can he stand to watch Ivy put herself at risk. But how can his secrets and her dreams cause so much strife?

I enjoyed this book a lot! From the dreams to the relarionships- siblings included! Watching brothers stand up for their sister is pretty awesome.

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good frontier romantic historical fiction. Or anyone who just enjoys a good clean book.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.

I am glad to get to hear the story of Ivy. She has worked hard to establish herself a someone she wants to be instead of just who she is expected to be. She gets caught by an old acquaintance, Jericho and has to decide how to handle it . Jericho finds himself growing more attracted to Ivy but is not sure how to combine his past and present. A great read with lots of action. Look forward to more.

Falling for the Cowgirl, a historical, western romance is the fourth book in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series. This book can be read as a stand alone although I personally think it’s better if you read the previous three books, A Cowboy for Keeps, The Heart of Cowboy and To Tame a Cowboy.

I love reading anything by Jody Hedlund and especially after reading the previous ones I couldn’t wait for this one. Just like the previous books this one did not disappoint. I loved getting to know Ivy and Jericho and I was quickly caught up in their story. I enjoyed the adventure, romance and faith that was interwoven throughout. If you are looking for a 5 star book to read look no further. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys reading clean Historical Romantic Fiction. I can not wait for the next and final book from the Colorado Cowboys series, The Last Chance Cowboy.

I have absolutely loved this series and this book was no exception! I’ve enjoyed watching Ivy grow up through the other books, and then finally get to see her story. The fiery girl becomes a strong and independent woman that is cowgirl through and through.

The settings for these books never ceases to take my breath away and will leave you craving wide-open skies, jagged peaks, tall timber, the sweet scent of hay, and the exhilarating and powerful feel of riding a horse. And nobody writes romance in exactly the same way as @jodyhedlund She has a knack for capturing the fire and tension between two people and this second chance romance has plenty of that.

Ivy’s been in love with Jericho for as long as she can remember, but he has consistently resisted his attraction to her. She was always too young before, and now his job he feels is too dangerous. When he has to return to their hometown as an undercover agent, that attraction becomes harder and harder to deny.

I felt myself at times being really frustrated with Jericho. Ivy was definitely the star of this book and I loved her. But as he comes around and sees what is really most important and takes the time to heal from some of the wounds of his past they end up coming together in the most beautiful way. The ending was 👌🏼🔥

If you love Cowboys, shoot you don’t have to love Cowboys…. TRY them anyway and be converted, these books are amazing! Be ready to be swept away… this book just released, so snatch it up now!

Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund and is the fourth book in the Colorado Cowboys series. It is a definite must read if you love inspirational historical romances with cowboys and cowgirls doing what they do best.
Ivy McQuaid is the only girl in her family, but she can ride and rope just as well as they can so when she decides that she wants to buy a parcel of land she sneaks into cowhand competitions. She intends on using her winnings to help her reach her dream, but things may change when Jericho Bliss returns after being away for two years.
Jericho is back in South Park as undercover Pinkerton agent searching for a war criminal and is doing everything that he can to keep Ivy out of harms way, but his longtime feelings for her are even more difficult to resist now then ever before and soon he realizes that he has put her in danger. Is this finally the end or will they be able to find their way back to each other?
I really enjoyed this series and look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

Those of us who have been enjoying Jody Hedlund's Colorado Cowboys series have been waiting for Ivy's story! Ivy, the youngest McQuaid and only girl, has always had an indomitable personality, but she's also had one weakness: Jericho Bliss. After Jericho left two years ago, Ivy has continued to pave her own way and start saving money for her own ranch.

After leaving Colorado, Jericho followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Pinkerton Detective Agency. But Jericho is determined to avoid some of the tragedy that haunted his father's life, and that includes having a family who might be exploited by criminals. When he finds himself back in Colorado and face to face with Ivy McQuaid once again, Jericho realizes he must fight his own attraction to the rambunctious young woman in order to hold strong to his convictions.

Ivy has always fought for what she wanted, and she wants Jericho. But she also wants her independence. When Jericho rebuffs her attention, Ivy sets out to prove she doesn't need him and that she can make her own way.

I really liked the different twists that the author wove into this novel. There were several elements I did not see coming. The romance and the focus on physical attraction was a little too strong for my personal preference, though it was still clean. Every reader is different in this area, so use your own discretion. Another thing the novel does well is set up the final book of the series, to be released next year. I can't wait to read the story of the last McQuaid sibling!

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Oh. My. Holy Saint Peter! Jody has done it again, she’s roped me in and hog-(steer)-ties me with another McQuaid book!

I wasn’t so sure about this one. Ivy has been that annoying little sister, with a really big mouth and larger personality since book 2. And I wasn’t sure I was gonna like her. And while it’s not my favorite of the Colorado Cowboys (that’s still a toss up between Flynn and Brody), I really appreciate how Jody grew her up, but also kept the same serially elements that were Ivy. It made her and this story feel more real; sometimes authors grow up the characters too much and they change and it feels less like real humans. This didn’t.

And the slow burn and tension between her and Jericho! Come on! I was just like get on with it… but then when those kisses (yes, plural) came, it was fantastic. But, again, like real life, the tension didn’t stop there.

But among all the kisses, tension, bickering and banter, I deeply appreciate how Jody intertwined scripture and biblical truths into the story. That’s one of the reasons I alway pick up her books. I know I’m gonna get fantastic characters, a marvelous story, and deep spiritual truths as well.

All photos are ones I took this last week while in Colorado. The video is on top of Pikes Peak and it reminded me of the mountain and cave that Ivy and Jericho had tot ale refuge in during the fire.

Thank you Jody for the opportunity to be on your ARC team! I’ve been blessed to be on all 4 Colorado Cowboys teams and I take it as a great honor to be able to help promote your books!

This is my favorite series by this author and Ivy's story was no exception. I just love how cantankerously charming she comes across on page and I can't help but root for the independent and sassy heroine.
Ivy wants complete independence and Jericho wants to not want her. He has a crime to solve and little-miss-trouble is a distraction he can do without. Their re-meet-cute was so fun. I love when a character can deceive the masses but the love interest sees right through the charade.
I recommend this series to any fan of western or closed door romance. Jody's ability to write a swoony romance within those constraints makes it an easy recommendation for fans of any type of love story. Dylan's book can't get here soon enough.
Thank you to Bethany House and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.