Midwife Catherine Remington is not having a good night. First, a young woman dies from childbirth complications after forcing Catherine to promise to deliver the newborn baby to his father in Colorado. Second, she witnesses a politically-motivated murder. Third, the police arrive at her house with a warrant for her arrest and she realizes she's been framed. Catherine grabs the baby and escapes to the train station.

Dylan McQuaid has made a boatload of mistakes in his life, but since leaving Chicago he's committed to the straight and narrow way. When a woman shows up and puts his son in his arms, Dylan knows it's time to atone for his past indiscretions and make things as right as he can.

As Dylan and Catherine navigate a relationship, his past, her past, and current events combine to keep readers glued to the page. I really enjoyed these two characters. Both have good hearts and want to make a positive difference in the lives around them. They have respect for one another and want what is best for the other even more than what they want themselves. I loved the unique twist on a standard trope, and the conflicting stakes keep the plot moving.

I've enjoyed the whole Colorado Cowboys series, and this is definitely my favorite. I'd recommend it for fans of historical romance or those who enjoy stories of someone getting a second chance in life.

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

This is going to be a totally gushing review of this book. First off, it is by one of my favorite authors. Second the trope is a marriage of convenience, my favorite. Third it continues one of my most beloved fictional families. Fourth, Dylan is a cowboy. Fifth, the redemption story is beautiful.

I read this book in less than a day. A day. I have not been able to do that in quite some time. Due to life and familial obligations, it is just not normally feasible. But on a semi cold lazy Sunday afternoon, I relaxed and began this adventure. The only thing I am sad about is that it ended.

There is redemption, family, romance, true love, swoony hero, sizzling kisses, danger, some humor (though the characters were not too fond of a certain revelation), and a baby to bring them all together.

Dylan has, with the grace of God, changed for the better. Though his past still haunts him, he has made headway in turning his life around and becoming sheriff. A post he hopes to keep. But one day Catherine, (with a C) enters his life with his son, a good mistake he did not know about. But he determines to be a good father and husband, if only Catherine will agree to marry him.

Catherine is a midwife with natural talented skill in caring for both the mother and baby. At the beginning of the story her life is thrust into two very uncomfortable and even dangerous situations. However, she is bound and determined to not harm her father's political aspirations and to keep a promise to a dying woman. So, she runs. Right into Dylan's arms. The rest you will need to read and enjoy for yourself.

I have enjoyed all of author Hedlund stories, but this one is my absolute favorite, for now. Can't wait for more.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Last Chance Cowboy is yet another book in this delicious series that is utterly addictive and does not disappoint.

By now, readers of the series have met, journeyed with, and fallen in love with the McQuaid family. Now it’s Dylan’s turn to take the spotlight. Readers of the series are aware of his troubled path. Now, just when he is setting things right, has a stable job as sheriff and is finally making his family proud, his past arrives on this doorstep in the form of a newborn baby.

Catherine Remington is a highly skilled midwife but even her skills can’t save the life of a new, young mother. Determined to fulfil the girl’s final request and take the baby to his father, Catherine uses the task to avoid a corrupt politician who intends to pin his crimes on Catherine. Arriving in Fairplay, the last thing Catherine expects is an offer of marriage, but the threat back home and the idea of leaving the baby she’s fallen in love with, makes her say yes and she finds herself hitched to Dylan McQuaid. The only problem? Dylan thinks he’s married his son’s mother, not his midwife, and Catherine isn’t sure how to tell him, especially as she grows closes to the man she is learning is nothing like the scoundrel she believed him to be.

Okay, I couldn’t help but laugh at the situation Catherine finds herself in. They seriously need to work on their communication skills, but it makes for some very entertaining reading. And, just like all the other books in this series, Dylan and Catherine share some excellent chemistry. Set against a backdrop of cattle rustlers and the looming threat to Catherine, Dylan and Catherine must learn to work together to make their new little family work. There is plenty of action, high stakes moments and beautifully sweet scenes. A perfect read for when you need a break from reality.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

What a fun end to the Colorado Cowboy series! We finally get the story of the youngest McQuaid brother, Dylan. This is a story of redemption, of found family, and of second chances.

I am always a sucker for a marriage of convenience, and even thought Dylan and Katherine's relationship started under strange circumstances and mistaken assumptions, I love how it played out. I enjoyed that they each had a purpose that brought them joy, Dylan with being sheriff and Katherine as a midwife, and how supportive they were with each other. They both have such big hearts and great character arcs and as always with Jody's books, I enjoyed the added suspense and mystery. The romance is slow-burn but very sweet!

Loved seeing all the McQuaid brothers and Ivy together and the ending was immensely satisfying! If you enjoy sweet historical western romances, this entire series needs to be on your tbr.

CW: implied intimacy between married couple

TW: talk of stillborn babies

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

The Last Chance Cowboy, by Jody Hedlund, tells of the unlikely pairing of Catherine Remington, midwife from Chicago, Illinois and Dylan McQuiad, a sheriff living in the wilderness of Colorado. The year is 1871 and the world out west is slowly developing to have order like the eastern cities. However, when Catherine shows up with a baby in tow, Dylan is not sure how to react!

Before Catherine can get her bearings in this new world, she finds herself marrying Dylan. In the confusion of Catherine’s entrance, Dylan mistakenly assumes she is the mother of his son!

Catherine and Dylan slowly warm up to the idea of their marriage. However, you wonder how Dylan will respond when the truth is finally brought to light!

First of all I just love Jody Hedlund's books and writing style! This book was not an exception!
It's the final book in the series and it was a perfect ending!! I really loved it that the whole family made an appearance.

Catherine is a kind and brave midwife.
She needs to deliver a newborn baby to it's unknowingly father and simultaneously needs to flee from false accusations.

Dylan, the father, has learned from past mistakes and is trying to redeem himself.
So when Catherine shows up with his son he suggests a marriage of convenience.

It was great to see the sweet chemistry between Dylan and Catherine. Soon they discover that there might be more between them than just a marriage of convenience. I also really liked the way Dylan teased Catherine.

You get to see both characters grow throughout the story.
The side characters where also a great addition to the story.

It was a story filled with humor, (self)forgiveness, courage, family and love!

You could read the book as a standalone but I would really recommend to read the whole series! It's a wonderful series and it gives some context.

I've received an e-arc edition and I want to thank the Baker Publishing Group and Netgalley! This review is only based on my personal opinion.

The Last Chance Cowboy is the 5th book in the series and focuses on the youngest rebel turned prodigal brother Dylan McQuaid. Holy smokes this book might be my favorite one yet! I still need to read the first 3 books and if they are anything like this one I know I will love them.

This was not a hard story for me to loose myself in with its setting of beautiful Colorado in its early mining days. Dylan McQuaid is trying to set his past behind him and make things right. He has a chance to do just that as Sheriff of his beloved Colorado town FairPlay. When a young woman arrives bringing his past life in Chicago with her, he sees his prospects of winning the re-election for Sheriff disappearing quicker that the setting sun behind the mountains. Catherine Remington, is a midwife in danger. Determined to fulfill a dying woman’s wish, she heads to Colorado even if it breaks her heart in the process. When she is propositioned for a marriage of convenience with the Sheriff of Fairplay, albeit a handsome one, she hesitantly agrees. Besides she can’t bear to part with the Sheriff’s infant son. What if this is her only chance to be a mother?

The theme of redemption and second chances running thru this story was so well done in Dylan’s character arc. I loved seeing how Dylan and Catherine’s story unfolded. They had mistaken assumptions and a dangerous threat to overcome, but thru their support of one another and the passions they held dear, their love came softly. The ending was sweetly satisfying with the McQuaid family and dear friends coming together closer and stronger.

If sweet swoony historical romances are your thing definitely add this book series to your tbr!

Thank you to the publisher for my copy of this book to read and review

Jody Hedlund is such a dependable storyteller! I really enjoyed this final installment in her cowboy series and as always, I'm looking forward to whatever she writes next!

In this story of mistaken identity and second chances we journey alongside Dylan and Catherine as they try to navigate the unprecedented situation in which they find themselves. Last Chance Cowboy was an easy read that doesn’t shy away from the consequences of the choices we make, but invites us to hope in redemption and new beginnings.

This is the fifth book in the Colorado Cowboys series.

Jody Hedlund brings the wild west of small town Colorado alive with cattle rustlers, a new sheriff in town and a whole cast of vibrant people.

WHAT I LIKED:
Catherine's profession as a midwife was fascinating and I enjoyed how well-researched and how well her techniques and situations were presented. In fact, the first chapter of the story highlights Catherine in this role, which I found intriguing and that kept me wanting to read more.

A marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes and this book certainly featured that! The resulting love story and HEA that came with it were a plus.

Dylan's character stood out to me the most in this story. He was a man who'd fallen prey to the lusts of his flesh and deeply regretted them, moving forward to a saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Having repented from his wayward sins and worked hard to live a life pleasing to God, it was rewarding to see him come up against the temptations of his past and overcome them. As he embraced his role of fatherhood, it was even more rewarding to witness the change in his character. He was flirtatious and confident, values I enjoyed in a hero.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS:
The plot to this story was cliche'. Marriage of convenience, based off of a miscommunication which eventually becomes a lie (this really detracted from Catherine's character value for me). The premise of the miscommunication bordered on the fact that Dylan did not remember being intimate with a woman, due to being inebriated. I found it very hard to believe he couldn't remember what she looked like or any conversations with her, and that made the trope unreliable for me.

The ending was predictable and lacked the excitement I thought was coming. While there were moments of excitement and a touch of suspense, I had been hoping for a big moment when Catherine's predicament from Chicago made its way to her so Dylan would have to save her and clear her name.

Lastly, Dylan's physical infatuation and insinuations with Catherine were over the top and bordered on lustful. I didn't care for this aspect in this particular genre. It was something I'd have expected (and enjoyed) in a sweet romcom or secular novel, but not in historical Christian fiction. While it all took place within the confines of their marriage, it still felt too detailed and overdone for this story. There is a time and place for spice in my opinion and this was not it.

IN SUMMARY:
Overall, a historical western romance that served as an easy, feel-good romance. Though part of a series, this novel read well as a standalone. There are elements of faith, redemption and saving grace, death to self and new life, as well as moments of sibling banter and adoring love between family members. There was also the refreshing and redeeming part of the story that people are merely human, they make mistakes, learn from them and move forward with renewed focus on the things that truly matter. A solid three stars for me.

Note: Between reading this story on my Kindle, I also listened to the audio version narrated by Susan Hanfield and found it to be well done.

CW and TW: Murder, Death in Childbirth, Sex Before Marriage (alleged), Inebriation (to the point of oblivion -alluded to), Detailed Kissing and Bodily Contact (within the confines of marriage), Innuendo and Insinuations (within the confines of marriage).

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this story from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.

Cowboy stories aren’t one of my most read genres, but The Last Chance Cowboy fits into so many categories. It’s a historical, Christian redemption story with elements of family, faith, and forgiveness. And cowboys.

I love Catherine’s strong heart and her willingness to help others. Dylan is also easy to connect with. I enjoy a coming home story, especially when it involves a prodigal healing from things of the past. In this story, there are unexpected obstacles and temptations that threaten to disrupt things.

I loved the elements of faith threaded throughout the book. It’s what gives this story so much depth and meaning. And not to mention, it inspires the reader to perhaps forgive, change course, or see things in a new way.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

I have really enjoyed Jody Hedlund's Colorado Cowboys series and the Last Chance Cowboy was
"the icing on the cake"! I admired Sheriff Dylan McQuaid who has given up his wild lifestyle in Chicago and is working hard to show the Fairplay, Colorado community that he is a changed man. I also admired midwife, Catherine Remington, who sees a murder in Chicago and runs for her life to Fairplay to bring his newborn son to the sheriff! Life has a way of catching up with us and thus it is for both Dylan and Catherine. I loved how everything turned out for Catherine and for Dylan and baby Austin! I recommend The Last Chance Cowboy to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a bit of romance! I received complimentary copies of The Last Chance Cowboy from Bethany House and NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund is the fifth in her Colorado Cowboys series and brings an exciting story full of heart-racing adventure, romance, and almost unbelievably comedic situations. If you haven't read the other four books in Ms. Hedlund's series, never fear, The Last Chance Cowboy can be read as a stand alone novel. I truly enjoyed this book by Ms. Hedlund, although I am disappointed that this book ends her wonderful Colorado Cowboys series. I enjoy the lovely way that Ms. Hedlund weaves together the themes of faith, forgiveness, family, and love while also including intriguing mystery, adventure, and wholesome romance. The Last Chance Cowboy continues Ms. Hedlund's well-established reputation of outstanding writings.

The Last Chance Cowboy brings readers a story of redemption and second chances with Dylan McQuaid, who in previous books of the series had been a rebellious young man. Dylan, now reformed and changed by God's grace and his family's help, is determined to prove his worth to his hometown of Fairplay as their sheriff. While working to bring down a tough group of cattle rustlers, Dylan gets the shock of his life when a young woman shows up in his office with a baby that has all of his looks. Dylan wants to do what is right, make up for his past mistakes, and provide for his son so he proposes a marriage of convenience to the young lady even though he doesn't remember her at all.

Catherine Remington is a young unmarried woman and has the unusual profession of a midwife. During a difficult delivery, Catherine loses her patient and unexpectedly becomes a key witness to a mob murder. When Catherine is accused of being responsible for both deaths, she runs away, fulfilling her promise to the dying mother of the baby she delivered. Catherine promised to bring the woman's son Austin to his father in Colorado and she is determined to do whatever it takes to make sure Austin has a loving family. Through a comedic set of misunderstandings, upon Catherine's arrival with the baby, Dylan presumes that she is the mother, leading his hasty proposal for a marriage of convenience. Catherine doesn't realize that due to his drunkenness at the time, Dylan has no memory of the woman he fathered a child with. Catherine sees Dylan's offer as a solution to her situation and a fulfillment of her desire to remain as Austin's mother. Can Dylan and Catherine each overcome their doubts and pasts and learn to love each other? Will the secrets of Catherine's past catch up with her? Can they overcome the seemingly impossible obstacles that are thrown into their paths? Read The Last Chance Cowboy to find out for yourself!

I have to admit that Ms. Hedlund has a very rare talent to drop her excellent writings to nearly any time period in history and make her characters fit right in. I absolutely love how comedic Ms. Hedlund's stories are. There is a sense of just honest, knee-slapping humor that Ms. Hedlund regals her readers with in each of her works. I have also enjoyed how Ms. Hedlund grows her characters throughout the plot by giving them challenges and difficulties to overcome. I appreciated the focus in The Last Chance Cowboy on forgiveness and reconciliation. The way that Ms. Hedlund tied in all of the previous characters in this series to bring the whole family together again was very nostalgic and satisfying. I appreciated the way that Ms. Hedlund brought Dylan back into the fold of his family, almost like the prodigal son parable in the Bible. I appreciated the way that Dylan and Catherine learned to respect and care for one another despite their unusual circumstances. Overall, this book is yet another successfully written romance full of adventure and intrigue by Ms. Hedlund. Well done! Happy readings!

Disclaimer: Bethany House Publishers graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

I wasn't sure what headspace Dylan would be in when The Last Chance Cowboy started. But thankfully, he's repented of his wild ways and is working very hard to do better with his life. He's been elected as sheriff on a kind of temporary basis. At least until the next election. He has been sober since coming back to Colorado, and he has been staying away from women, too. I was worried he would be a drunk mess when this book started, so I'm thankful we didn't have to go through the worst of his transformation with him.

Catherine was the midwife that assisted with the birth of Dylan's illegitimate son. Kit died giving birth, but before she passed, she begged Catherine to take Austin to Dylan. Catherine didn't have plans to follow through with her agreement, but she witnesses a murder and basically runs for safety. When she arrives in Colorado, Dylan doesn't realize that she's not Kit. He was drunk for almost all of his interactions with Kit. And so he offers to marry her. Catherine has developed a bond with Austin and doesn't want to give him up. She sees that marrying Dylan might be convenient.

I know I've discussed several times that I love marriages of convenience. The concept is so foreign to our culture. But I love the idea of almost immediately being a team. It wouldn't be "convenient" if both parties didn't get something out of the arrangement. And so the relationships start with some common ground and then develop into love. It's what makes them so beautiful.

I liked that Dylan wasn't completely untempted by his former vices. He still struggles with the call of alcohol. And his understanding that he's already been intimate with Catherine causes him to attempt to be more physical with her than he originally agreed. In hindsight, I can see more things that I feel Dylan should have picked up on or questioned.

Without spoiling too much, I thought Catherine would be honest with Dylan about the mixup very early on. The first time she changed her mind and didn't tell him right away, I understood, but the longer it took her to tell him, the more frustrated with her I became.

I do find it a little unbelievable that often characters in stories like these are willing to give up their partner when they find out the secret they've been hiding. They feel betrayed and that makes them feel like they can't forgive. But when the partner is physically threatened, they suddenly realize that they can't live without them, afterall. Why is that? They were ready to be parted with them? Yet it takes a threat to their safety to make them realize how they truly feel? One of those things I probably shouldn't question too much, I guess.

Favorite quotes:
-"When we do what's right, then we can trust the good Lord for the outcome of His choosing. Might not be exactly what we want, but when we always honor Him, He blesses us for it."

-"The list of my transgressions and shame could drown me in the depths of the sea." "Then let them drown, but without you."

The Last Chance Cowboy is a book that I was afraid I wouldn't get for review since I didn't get approved for a review copy of Falling for the Cowgirl. This made it one of my most anticipated books of 2023. I really enjoyed it. Dylan had a lot of shame and regret to work through, but when he gave his life to God, he got more in return than he could have expected. Catherine was an easily likable character for her willingness to help those less fortunate--or whoever needed her. I happily give The Last Chance Cowboy 4 Stars. Now I wait for Astrid's book to be the first of a new spinoff series by Jody Hedlund. Have you read The Last Chance Cowboy? What did you think? Let me know!

Fantastic characters and sizzling romance abound in this novel! This is one of my favorite romance tropes. I really liked Catherine and her strength. She was such an easy character to cheer for throughout the novel. And I really enjoyed reading about Dylan’s continued journey towards redemption and forgiveness. Although this novel stands well on is own, I think the reader gets good background information on the characters in the earlier books. I thought the plot had some great twists that kept it interesting and surprised me along the way. This has been a fantastic series and I am somewhat sad that it is ending. Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

What is it about Jody Hedlund's writing that immediately sucks me into a story? Instantly, I was in the brothel, watching this baby being delivered. I was there with Catherine, watching a man get murdered. I could see Austin's little puckered mouth, with the milk dribbling out. I was in the midst of the action, the adventure, the chaos, and turmoil. Her writing just draws me.

I finished this 348 page book in one day. That was AFTER I finished a different one, and after I finished homeschooling my kiddos. I just couldn't put this down. This was the perfect ending to the Colorado Cowboys series, but it makes me sad to say goodbye to the McQuaid family.

Guess I'll just have to go back and visit them from time to time.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and no positive review was required.~

Yes - read it.

But read the first four books before you do. This book wraps up the Colorado Cowboys series very nicely. It was a story with more substance then fireworks which I kind of enjoyed. Sometimes the fireworks with a final book get in the way of just a good story - which is something Jody Hedlund always seems to give her readers.

I was given an ARC from Netgalley to help me prepare my honest review.

I have loved every one of the Colorado Cowboys, and am very sad to see this series end; but Jody has done it again with this amazing story of redemption and love.

The “bad boy” of the McQuaid (think “McHotty” if you’re not familiar with this family) clan. And as the last one to finally “get his life together” he feels they look down on him for his poor life decisions. But Jody writes about the power of love and how one can redeem their life by turning to toward God and following him. ❤️❤️❤️

And it’s not only him who gets the redemption story, but Catherine also discovers more about herself and how far she will go for love.

If you love:
❤️Cowboys
❤️marriage of convenience
❤️sordid past/redemption
❤️sheriffs
❤️midwifery
❤️family
❤️miscommunication troupe

Then this is your next read!

The Last Chance Cowboy was a fun read by Jody Hedlund. While honoring the dying wish of one of her patients, midwife Catherine attempts to return the son back to his father. After being mistaken for the baby’s mother, she enters a marriage of convenience and wonders how soon her past will catch up with her. Dylan is attempting to turn his life around and underestimates how much he needs Catherine in his life. I enjoyed this light read and would recommend to anyone who likes an easy historical romance.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund did not disappoint. This easy-to-read story flowed well and held my attention throughout. The swoony romance rated as my favorite aspect of the story. While Dylan actively fights against lust and respects Catherine, there’s strong physical attraction and romantic tension between the two as they engage in a marriage-of-convenience after a case of mistaken identity. Watching them fall for each other while raising a baby delighted my romance-loving heart. I also liked that Catherine and Dylan eventually face their issues and find satisfying resolutions.

The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund concludes her Colorado Cowboys series and stands as my favorite of all five books. The story felt less formulaic and blatantly lusty than some prior novels did. Although characters from prior books show up, this novel works fine as a standalone read. Recommended for romance lovers who want a light read with plenty of romantic tension and an entertaining story. Four stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.