Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series concludes with Dylan’s long-awaited story. After reading a teaser about Dylan at the end of book 4, I was anxiously awaiting this story of the prodigal brother. If ever a character needed redemption, it was Dylan. He had spent the last few years of his life on drink and women, estranged from his family.

Hedlund’s novel of reconciliation and a changed life is wonderful. I loved this Dylan and Catherine is his ultimate match. Their love story is romantic, often heated, but not inappropriate. A misunderstanding causes some interesting situations as well. Dylan’s struggle to be an upstanding, God- fearing man is portrayed honestly.

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

I highly recommend this book to readers of clean historical fiction. I am sad to see this series end, but oh, what an ending!

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

The Last Chance Cowboy
by Jody Hedlund
Pub Date 14 Feb 2023
Bethany House,Bethany House Publishers
Christian| Historical Fiction


Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers sent me a copy of The Last Chance Cowboy for review:


As danger draws closer, their only hope is each other.


As a midwife, Catherine Remington brings new life into the world, but she's failed one too many times at finding love. She has to flee to Colorado to honor a dying patient's dying wish by delivering his newborn child to his father when she's accused of a murder she didn't commit.


Redeemed prodigal Dylan McQuaid is back in Fairplay. In his role as sheriff, he's trying to prove to the town that he's changed. It's only complicated choices Dylan has to make when a woman shows up with an infant son he didn't know he had.


After getting attached to Dylan's son, Catherine doesn't want to give him up. What she doesn't bargain for is how easily she'll fall for the charming sheriff or how quickly her past will catch up with her.


I give The Last Chance Cowboy five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

What could be better than a book with a plucky female lead and a handsome cowboy? I thoroughly enjoyed this story of mistaken identity.

Catherine Remington is a midwife but she isn't married and has never given birth herself. Through an alarming set of circumstances she finds herself with a newborn in her care. She also finds herself fleeing with this baby to save him and herself.

I enjoyed all of the drama and intrigue that this story included. I realize that it is book five in a series but I haven't read any of the other books. I didn't feel like I was missing something by not having first read the previous books. I of course would recommend reading them all but if you don't have the time you will be fine diving into this book.

I love the cover of this novel!

The opening scene in this book sets a tone of bloodiness that I feared would carry throughout the book. For that reason, I set the novel aside.

Given the heroine's occupation, perhaps that opening scene's elements shouldn't have come as a surprise. I've seen midwifery handled more gently in other novels, so I had that expectation going in.

I’m going to do something a little differently for this review. Since I couldn’t get past the opening scene, which I skimmed due to the content, I’m going to leave off reading it. I may revisit at a later date. Based on the violence of the opening scene, I'd have to give the book a low rating. It just wasn't for me.

I wish the author all the best, and I'm grateful to the publisher for the privilege of reading this novel for review via NetGalley.

A new favorite book! Great story about a cowboy and a midwife who take each other at face value and stumble on quite the adventure. I couldn't put it down. Very well written. Unique story line. If you like old western romances it's a must-have!

Colorado Cowboys series has become among my favorite series written by Jody Hedlund. The Last Chance Cowboy is the fifth and final installment from it. I adored this book so much. I loved the chemistry between Catherine and Dylan and it was so heartwarming how much they bonded over precious Austin. I had no problem devouring their whole story in one sitting. Such a beautiful tale of love, hope, faith and forgiveness.

I am giving The Last Chance Cowboy a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction. As always, I am looking forward for more by Jody Hedlund in the future. I am so excited for the next series to release later this year.

I received a paperback copy of The Last Chance Cowboy from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

This book was a wonderful way to close a series. I loved getting to know the McQuaids along the way, and couldn’t wait to see Dylan get his happy ending. His happy ending turned out very different than I expected it to, and I loved being along for the journey. The Last Chance Cowboy has a very unique storyline, and I was taken by surprise several times. Jody Hedlund has a way of drawing you in, and keeps me up way too late turning the pages.

Dylans life was far from a fairy-tale, but he’s a changed man of God now. Being the town sheriff goes a long way in helping him redeem himself. Little does he know, even more of his mistakes are on the way to catch up with him. When Kathrine shows up his world is turned upside down yet again. But Dylan isn’t going to tuck tail and give up that easily.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance with just a little suspense mixed in. One thing I love about a book series is getting to see the other characters I love again. That being said, you can totally read this book as a stand alone novel as well. You’ll just miss out on some of the affection you get from the other McQuaid siblings. I was given a complimentary copy of this book and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The story is a continuation in a series so it may be best to read the others first if you want to catch up with what has happened. I didn’t feel lost reading this book out of order though. It is obvious that Dylan has been not such a kind man in the past. We discover in this story that he has changed and now is the sheriff. He has put all the past behind him and now upholds the law. He is in for a big surprise when his past meets him face to face.

Catherine is a midwife who is very compassionate about helping women give birth. She had no idea that the child she just delivered would change her life. Without going into much detail, she honor’s the baby’s mother’s last wish. Finding the baby’s father was also a way to escape from town when she witnesses a horrible crime. As she travels to Colorado she hopes she can keep the baby and herself safe.

The initial meeting between Catherine, Dylan and his son are bittersweet. She has done what was requested of her, but how can she leave this precious child she has fallen in love with? Dylan seems to accept the baby and wants to do the right thing. I don’t understand why Catherine didn’t figure out that Dylan thought she was a woman he had been with back in the day.

I did like how protective Dylan was with his son and Catherine. He takes his new family in and without question makes things right. As the wedding is going on, didn’t Catherine wonder why he was marrying her, a complete stranger? I had trouble with this part and knew that somehow this secret would come out. There are a few times in the story where I thought the author focused on the attraction between Dylan and Catherine a little too much. The author describes Dylan’s thoughts about his wife that were a bit uncomfortable for me. I will leave that part for readers to decide on their own.

The ending was nice and there is a clear faith element in the story that illustrates forgiveness, trust, family and love. The story does reunite a family where a bond is formed. They look out for each other and I liked that even though rumors were unkind towards Catherine, her new family stood beside her. One thing to note was how Dylan reacted when he found out that Catherine had deceived him. It is a good lesson on forgiving and loving unconditionally.

The last book in the original series- this is Dylan's story and it did not disappoint! I enjoyed the story, the romance and the setting! Colorado books will always catch my attention.

Dylan is back in Fairplay trying to live his changed life as the sheriff when Catherine Remington shows up with his baby. Misunderstanding the situation, he offers to marry her to allow his son, Austin, to have both a mother and a father. And so begins their marriage of convenience.

Catherine works hard to care for Austin and put their house in order despite coming from a home with servants. I enjoyed watching both Catherine and Dylan grow and change both in their roles as parents and as partners. What will happen when Catherine realizes Dylan's mistake and more importantly, what will Dylan do when he finds out who Catherine is and what caused her to bring his son from Chicago to Fairplay?

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical romance- especially western themed. I can't wait for the spin offs to this series!

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

I absolutely loved this western story involving main characters sheriff Dylan Mcquaid and Catherine.

Midwife Catherine travels out west to find the baby’s father to fulfil the dying mother’s wish. I liked getting to know the townspeople and Dylan’s family as Catherine settles into the new town to take care of the baby with Dylan.

This fun western story had great characters, drama, and an interesting storyline that kept my interest from beginning to end! I read it in one day because I didn’t want to stop reading. I have read other books by this author and love her western characters, settings and interesting story lines.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

Catherine disobeys one of the rules of midwifery, which is to not promise to take care of the baby if something happens to the mother. She is pushed out of town and sets herself on the journey to find the baby’s father to deliver it. After the two month journey, she finds herself rather attached to Austin and contemplates how she can leave him with this father who left the mother in the first place. To her surprise, when she meets the father, he isn’t as evil as she had created him to be in her mind. With a twist of mistaken identity and the opportunity to do the right thing, they try to be a family for Austin.

One would like to think that Dylan would have had moments with Kit to know the difference between Catherine and Katherine. However, it still led to a creative story with themes of second chances, identity and self-worth found in Christ, and God’s plan for our lives. I could relate to Catherine’s character and feelings. The plot had me sit down and read the last of the book without pause to see how it would end.

I felt as if some of Dylan’s reactions towards Catherine were on the border of lustfulness versus love. He admitted at the beginning that it was an area of weakness. He was trying to change the direction, which is commendable. His thoughts were within the bounds of marriage, but he didn’t even remember her enough to know she was actually a stranger. Within the book there were many paragraphs dedicated to the physical attraction of the two characters, it seemed as if it were more than expected for this genre. I understand it was part of the storyline but it quickly became the forefront, which I didn’t care for. My high school daughter likes to read books after me and this is one I will have her pass on.

The book is part of a series, which I have not gotten a chance to read yet. After being introduced to the family, I am excited to read more about their stories, even if I know some of their stories already.

I would recommend this book with the caution about the physical aspect of the book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

How is it that I have never read Jody Hedlund before? After reading THE LAST CHANCE COWBOY, I know I will now find all of her previous books and enjoy them all! What a wonderful story! A book filled with surprises, and not all that I loved, but a story that will keep you up late reading, and you won’t be disappointed. Many of the reasons I enjoyed THE LAST CHANCE COWBOY will be spoilers…so you will just have to read it yourself.

Catherine Remington is a very successful midwife. Her father is a Chicago politician. In THE LAST CHANCE COWBOY Catherine just happens to be on the run after witnessing a murder. She can’t believe the direction her life is heading! How did this happen? She just wants to help women in anyway with their pregnancies. To say her life is upside down, is a huge understatement. Well, then she meets Dylan McQuaid. Catherine is forced to leave and runs away to Colorado to deliver A baby, Austin, she has just delivered to a mother who died during childbirth. Dylan just happens to be the father of the baby! Hang on tight readers! You are going to love this crazy ride that Ms. Hedlund is going to put you on.

LAST CHANCE COWBOY is without a doubt one of the best books I’ve read in 2023 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. My heart broke for Dylan and Catherine and for all they were dealing with but Catherine really shredded my heart. How is she supposed to leave this precious baby behind and just walk away? Jody Hedlund really knows how to write about heartbreak and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author. I now have all of her older books to read and that brings me so much joy and happiness to know they are waiting for me!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A clever and different Western drama, this novel centers around a runaway midwife and a newborn who has lost his mother. Catherine Remington’s misunderstanding with Sheriff Dylan McQuaid makes for a compelling story with plenty of opportunity for awkward moments and surprises. This is the kind of heartwarming tale that makes a great read snuggled by a warm fire, but it’s fine anytime and anyplace. The wonderful, realistic characters just make you like them and enjoy their banter and growing relationship. The writing and plot offer top quality. I haven’t read the other books in this series, but this one is complete on its own, although I see the rest of the novels are about members of Dylan’s family. I didn’t feel like I’d missed out, but reading this one will probably make you want to read all the rest. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #TheLastChanceCowboy #NetGalley

I always enjoy a story by Jody Hedlund and The Last Chance Cowboy was not exception. Obviously Dylan had sown more than his share of wild oats but was finally making every effort to change his ways and become a man his family could be proud of. What a surprise when midwife Catherine showed up with a child he didn’t know he had!

Nevertheless, Dylan was determined to do the right thing and make a home for his baby and the woman he thought was its mother. For much of the book the misunderstanding continued and I did have to wonder why Catherine didn’t realize that Dylan thought she was the woman he had been with. Other than that somewhat unbelievable detail, the book was an interesting and fun read with a strong theme about God’s forgiveness and His love for His children. It was gratifying to watch Dylan’s care for Catherine and his child even before he grew to love her.

I have missed a book or two in this series and plan to go back to read them as soon as I can. I do love Hedlund’s books and historical westerns are a particular favorite.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

My Review:

Dylan McQuaid had been a true “prodigal son” away from home in the city of Chicago. He repented, reclaimed his faith, and returned home eager to become a faithful man to his family and to serve the township of Fairplay as its sheriff. Dylan had no idea that he had fathered a child until Catherine Remington shows up in Fairplay with his baby boy. Catherine, the midwife who delivered the baby, wanted to keep her promise to the dying mother by making sure the baby was taken to Dylan and his family. But Catherine also has her own reason to run away from Chicago. When Dylan mistakes her identity and offers to marry her, she quickly accepts. However, Catherine’s problem did not remain secret for long, and Dylan soon finds that he and his family must do all they can to protect Catherine and the baby from the men who intended her harm.

I admired the faithful and caring aspects of the characters of Dylan and Catherine. It was fun seeing their “marriage of convenience” grow into a true relationship.

For those readers who would rather not have kissing in the story: This author describes her books as “Sweet, clean but with some sizzle”. There’s a scene or two between Dylan and Catherine that include some passionate, but not inappropriate, kissing. There were also some passages in the book that alluded to their growing desire to turn their marriage of convenience into a real marriage. As I said, it wasn’t inappropriate—it never stepped over the line—but it’s something that you would more expect to read in the clean general fiction genre.

If you enjoy reading this book, you might want to go back and read the whole series about the McQuaid family. This is the last book in that series.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Last Chance Cowboy is book five in the Colorado Cowboys series by award winning, best selling author Jody Hedlund. This is a Christian historical romance series. It concludes the McQuaid family books. If you haven’t read the other books, this one may be read as a stand alone.

This is the story of Dylan and Catherine. It was lovely to read. I was engaged with the characters and story within the first chapter. This story has so much to offer readers. It is well planned and well written. There are life and Christians lessons of second chances, redemption, hope and God’s everlasting love.

The author is a wonderful wordsmith. Her stories are much more than entertainment. They leave an impression that stays with you. These characters feel like friends. My emotions went right along with theirs. The pace of the story is splendid. It went along at just the right speed. Readers will love this marriage of convenience tale.

I highly recommend The Last Cowboy. Historical, Western, and Romance readers will love this amazing, captivating story. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

Enjoyable and entertaining
From the start of The Last Chance Cowboy, I felt I had been missing out on some fantastic storytelling, beautiful characters, and heroic tales from this series. You can be assured that I will go back and get a copy of each book. I would be foolish not to.
Here’s why.
I loved this story.
I wanted to do nothing other than read this book during my spare time. Being a sucker for stories of redemption and grace, I knew this would be a must-read for me. Jody Hedlund wrote a captivating tale involving a roguish cowboy who was at the bottom of the barrel in life but saw the error of his ways and made a turnaround. The poor lad had no clue the wake left behind would affect more than his own conscience.
The display of tenderness that Cathrine showed to all women, no matter their station, was heartwarming. Dylan’s struggle to live life on the straight and narrow while battling addiction was understandable. And the chemistry between the two was palpable (it had “steam” potential for sure) but their romance was so sweet that I couldn’t help cheering them on as things became difficult. Toss in a sassy elder woman, a baby, and an elder man wiser than he seems and you have yourself an amazing story that is impossible to put down.
*** The publisher gave me a copy of this book through NetGalley and CelebrateLit Publicities. A positive review was not required.

What An Ending to This Series!

From the opening of the book you are drawn in to the story. The whole scene with Kit and Catherine tugs at your heart. What ensues after keeps you reading until the end. It is great getting to revisit the rest of the family. Perfect ending to this series!

I’m a huge fan of all books by Jody Hedlund. Can’t wait to find out what is next!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund is the fifth and final book in the Colorado Cowboy series. I have loved all the McQuaid stories, but Dylan’s story of redemption is fighting hard to be my favorite. I loved the opposites attract and marriage of convenience tropes that heightened the tension and made Dylan and Catherine’s story so much fun to read. Watching the innocent Catherine wilt against Dylan’s charm and flirtations was the perfect sweet, slow-burn romance. I loved how Dylan wanted to honor his newfound faith by honoring Catherine, and I appreciated a story where physical attraction was not the predominant part of the relationship. I also really enjoyed Dylan’s spiritual journey. Stories of redemption are my favorite, but I liked how his story wasn’t about him coming to faith and forgiveness but learning to walk in it as a new believer. It made his story unique and relatable to everyone struggling to learn the lessons God has for us.
Overall, I loved this story. To Tame a Cowboy (Brody’s story) was my favorite, but now I’m going to have to call it a tie. If you love historical romance, especially stories featuring the West or cowboys, then this series and book are for you! I would recommend you read them in order to learn everyone’s story. The entire series would be a great addition to your TBR. And I can’t wait to see what’s coming next from Jody!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review.
All opinions are my own.

3.5 Stars

The final McQuaid sibling gets his story in The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund. If you’ve been following the series, you know a good bit about Dylan’s backstory, and if this is the first book you are reading in the series, you’ll get caught up quick (and you may want to know that Dylan is the fifth sibling since some of the others show up).

Dylan’s story is one of second chances. A prodigal son story. After a time of wandering, he’s found his way home and is a respected lawman. When someone from his past shows up with a baby, he tries to do the right thing.

And this is where the story hit a hiccup for me. I felt the reasoning for the marriage of convenience was not strong enough. The issue was one of miscommunication (weak, at that) that turned into a lie. And that little device made Catherine a little less likable.

Despite that, the story was entertaining with lots of romance, family, and a little action near the end of the book.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.