I loved this finale to a wonderful series! I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the stories in this series, but this is definitely one of the best. I loved everything about Dylan. He is completely swoonworthy and my favorite of the McQuaid siblings. I loved how his relationship with Catherine progressed and how they overcame all the things working against them. A fantastic read!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Awe, Dylan, McQuaid, finally got his story and oh, what a story it is! We have heard of Dylan’s shenanigans from the first book in the series. He has chosen to mend his ways and prove to his family and hometown, but he can be a respectable Citizen and sheriff. Catherine Remington doesn’t realize it yet, but she is going to change his life. Will it be for the better or for worse? I absolutely loved this story from the beginning to the very end. I devoured it in one day. The characters were so well written. The chemistry between them was sizzling (yet still a clean romance). The story of redemption is strong and so real. At times we all have moments of weakness, but the important part is getting back on track and righting our wrongs. Catherine, being a midwife added so much warmth and compassion to the story. There was enough suspense and adventure, to keep the story intriguing and entertaining. This whole series, Colorado Cowboys, has been wonderful, each can be read as a standalone. I probably said this after I read each book, but this one might be my favorite.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Last Chance Cowboy is an adventurous tale of redemption and true love that perfectly wraps up Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboy Series! Following the redemption story of Dylan McQuaid as he overcomes a troubled past to become sheriff, he is surprised by Catherine— a midwife who brings him an infant son that he knows nothing about. He thinks Catherine is the child’s mother that he cannot remember, and Catherine doesn’t realize the mistake and loves the child as her own— so when they get hitched in order to be a family we get a marriage of convenience story that is sizzling and sweet and full of misunderstanding! Miscommunication tropes are difficult to pull off, but Jody Hedlund does this perfectly by making the mistaken identity aspect of the story believable and without unnecessary angst. The marriage of convenience and forced proximity tropes deliver the swoony romance that is a trademark of a Jody Hedlund novel! Dylan is a wonderful hero that struggles to overcome his past, accept the forgiveness of God, and gain the respect of his community, and it all tugs at the heart strings. Catherine’s strength as she faces adversity is admirable, and I thought she was smart and resourceful in difficult situations. As someone who has not experienced childbirth, the depicted work of a midwife was intense for me as a reader, but I do think it was extremely well written. The plot has so much suspense and romantic tension packed into one book that readers will be captivated until the last page. This final chapter of the McQuaid family saga delivers the heart stopping action and romance that has carried this series for five books, and it provides the happily ever after for all of the characters that we adore from this series. Be sure to read The Last Chance Cowboy and the entire Colorado Cowboy series if you are a fan of sweet but sizzling western romance!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher for review purposes. My thoughts are my own. I really did love it!

What a fabulous and romantic wrap up to what has definitely been one of my favorite series to read! If you have read the other books in the series, you know that Dylan got off track in life. He made some bad decisions and was not living in a way that would honor God or even uphold the morals that he had been raised with. This book showed how he had turned his life around, yet he still carried guilt for the way he behaved and struggled to stay the course sometimes, as well. And even if you have not read the other books, you should be able to pick this one up and enjoy Dylan’s story on its own.

At the opening of the novel, Catherine found herself in a situation that was hopeless and she was forced to run for her life. Then, she found herself in a completely different and complicated situation once she was out west bringing Dylan the son he knew nothing about.

This novel had so many of the things that I love reading about. There was the surprise baby, the redemption arc for Dylan, a marriage of convenience, misunderstandings, great romantic chemistry, and a wonderful and supportive extended family. I honestly did not know how the author was realistically going to be able to wrap things up for these two in a way that cleared Catherine’s name. It added some great additional tension to the story. Couple that with the growing affection between Catherine and Dylan and you have a novel that I know I will be reading again and again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is the final book in the Colorado cowboys series and it was a lot of fun. I always find these books highly bingeable and easy to read. This one in particular examines what it means to be given a second chance and the right way to use it! I loved that we got to see the tail end of Dylans changes but that he was still grappling with temptation and how to be a good man. I also really enjoyed Katherine's arc too. She finds such purpose in unexpected places and all the found family feels were tucked in with care inside this book!

Midwifery played a big roll in the plot and I liked that aspect to it. I'm so glad I didn't have babies during this time because it was such an unknown chance of survival.

I just heard that Jody is doing more cowboy books and the people are excited! If you like cowboys and a faith filled redemption story then this one might be for you!

Thank you @bethanyhousefiction for my advanced reading copy! This one is out now!

A catchy title and a beautiful cover may be your initial reasons for picking up this book but it's the story inside that you won't soon forget! The Last Chance Cowboy is the fifth and final book of Jody Hedlund's Colorado Cowboys series and it may now be my favorite. Dylan McQuaid is a reformed 'bad boy' who's trying to make amends for his past by serving as a temporary sheriff in Fairplay, Colorado. Part of that past appears to include newcomer Catherine Remington and the adorable baby that she has in tow. If only he could remember his last days in Chicago! Could he be little Austin's daddy?

The Last Chance Cowboy has secrets, false assumptions, and wrongdoings, as Hedlund offers a Dylan that we've never seen before. He and sweet Catherine share a powerful chemistry but there are many obstacles that may be impossible to overcome. The intriguing characters, western setting, and swoon-worthy marriage of convenience make this a book that I couldn't put down, and there's even a reunion with the other McQuaid family members. Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this satisfying conclusion to the Colorado Cowboys!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

Jody Hedlund sure knows how to spin a fine tale of love out west in the late 1800's. Even though I was chomping at the bit to read The Last Chance Cowboy I was sad that it's the last of this series. Each and every book in the Colorado Cowboys series was so much fun to read. I would usually find myself reading and grinning at the humorous way she writes. Dylan and Catherine's story made me laugh and so did Deputy Stu and "Gramma" Trudy. This was a fun Christian historical fiction to read on Valentine's Day.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Published 14 February 2023.

#BookReview: THE LAST CHANCE COWBOY by Jody Hedlund

I have read the first three books and then skipped Ivy's story. I wish I could have read it but I didn't have any problem understanding the whole story. He was a repentant sinner. His faith was good but it kept on being challenged. I liked that he wants to serve the people of his town. He was capable but his past since came around.

I enjoyed Stu's character and these lines: "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."

I liked Catherine and Dylan together. There's longing and hiding of the truth. Attraction was strong and they have good chemistry. I liked that they get along well together despite their unusual start. I liked that the major role of midwives and the things they went through were highlighted in the book.

This was a good ending to the series. I really enjoyed the McQuaid men. Maybe it's just me, but I was hoping for some kind of closure to the series.

Rating: 4 stars
Series: Colorado Cowboys Book 5
Pub date: 14 Feb 2023

Thank you to Bethany House and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Dylan is like the prodigal son returned home. After living a wayward life in Chicago, he has decided to come home to turn his life around and has stepped up to be the Sheriff in the small town near his families ranch. He learns quickly that he can't outrun the consequences of his past mistakes when Catherine suddenly enters his life…and she did not come alone.. she's brought his son! Only she’s not who he thinks she is and she has secrets of her own.

This book was a good ending to the series although I would have loved an epilogue to have a little more closure. I enjoyed getting to know all of the McQuaid family and watch them grow.

I was provided a copy of the book from the author/publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this story of redemption for Dylan, the black sheep of the McQuaid family. He had great resolve after he repented of the man he had been before and the life he now wanted to lead. Repentance means to stop what you are doing and turn away from it. Seeing Dylan choose to be an honorable man by how he treated Catherine really endeared me to him.

Although this is the fifth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I have only read one other book about the McQuaids, but I found it easy to understand the relationship between the siblings. I am looking forward to reading the other books that I missed.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Last Chance Cowboy is the fabulous conclusion of Jody Hedlund's Colorado Cowboys. I have loved all of the books but I do believe that Dylan's story is my favorite. I do love stories about prodigal sons and I'm a sucker for a marriage of convenience. i am sad to that this is the final book because I have grown to love the town of Fairplay and all of the families. so if you have not been fortunate enough to have read all of the books in this series, get to it. So get comfy and settle in for a great read.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

Each book in this series has been amazing, but I think this one was my favorite. I loved Dylan and Catherine’s story! He is a former bad boy, trying to redeem his reputation and stay on the straight and narrows. She is a sweet, innocent woman, running from unjust accusations, taking care of a motherless baby. Throw in a case of mistaken identity, a large amount of meddling family and friends, midwifery, and politics, and you have a book you cannot put down. I loved the swooney romance, but this book also included great messages of faith and family. I’m so glad to hear a spin-off series is coming, because no one does Cowboy romance like Jody Hedlund.

What a fantastic end to a beloved series! Jody Hedlund weaves a powerful story of redemption, second chances, and faith in this romantic, stirring conclusion to the Colorado Cowboys series. Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes and she really delivers with not only this trope but mistaken identity, false accusation, and a sweet little baby. I’ve loved that with each story in the McQuaid family saga we see this family come together, support each other, and forgive even when circumstances prove most difficult. Throughout the series, Dylan seemed most affected by the losses in his life and instead of turning to his family and faith, he turns to vice. In this story, we see him get his second chance.

Dylan, now the Sheriff of the small town he once called home, has an election coming up with strong competition. He’s determined to rid the town of a group of cattle rustlers and prove to the community that he’s a changed, capable man. He’s completely surprised when a woman shows up with a baby in tow who looks just like him. Wanting to do the right thing, he offers her marriage on the spot and determines to be as good a father as his pa. He doesn’t remember Catherine, but he’s determined to take things slow and win her trust and admiration.

Catherine is running for her life. She witnessed a terrible murder in Chicago after the tragic death of one of her patients and now stands falsely accused of both deaths. Catherine promised the dying mother to deliver her baby to his father in Colorado and sees this as a way to flee from the forces conspiring against her. When she meets Dylan and he offers her marriage right away, she can’t help but think it’s an answer to not only her problems, but her lonely heart. She’s grown to love little baby Austin and can’t help but be enamored by his handsome father. But, when the past comes back to haunt them, will they stay together or be torn apart?

I loved the slow burn romance between Dylan and Catherine. They both grow throughout the story as they learn to love each other. There’s nothing more attractive than a big, strong man caring for a baby and there were so many swoony moments with Dylan and his little son. I loved his small acts of kindness and service to Catherine, and when he calls her “darlin,” it made my heart melt. Dylan continues to struggle with his past and I appreciated how the author didn’t shy away from showing him really being tempted by his former vices. I loved the way his faith helped him be strong and turn away.

Catherine is sweet, caring, and good at what she does. Because of past disappointments in love, she doesn’t think she’s exciting or attractive enough to win Dylan’s heart. I loved the way she grew in confidence as the story progressed. She’s a talented midwife and I enjoyed seeing this aspect of the story. Catherine’s the perfect match for Dylan and they really brought out the best in each other, encouraging each other in their pursuits. With the McQuaids though, danger is never far behind and there’s plenty of action along with the sizzling, heartfelt romance that kept me up late into the night reading.

I’m truly sorry to see this series come to an end and am hoping somewhere along the line we get Astrid’s story. These characters and their struggles are so well written and have become so endearing that it’s going to be hard to let them go. Though this story could definitely be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the entire series. It’ll be that much more enjoyable. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

Page-turning Marriage of Convenience and Prodigal Son Romance

The Last Chance Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys Book 5) by Jody Hedlund

5 stars

Jody Hedlund grips the reader from the first lines of the story and quickly sets up a believable reason for a young socialite woman who also works as a midwife to flee to Colorado with the child of one of her clients.

I loved the way Hedlund brought to life Catherine’s job as a midwife. It was enough detail to give flavor and life to the character without getting bogged down in medical jargon or gross details.

Hedlund masterfully increased the tension between Catherine and Dylan by introducing a wonderful twist (which I won’t spoil for you). The characters’ internal struggle played a huge role in two-thirds of the book, continually building tension and romance. The ending—WOW! You must read it.

I had a hard time putting this book down. A true page-turner.

When I first picked up the book, I didn’t realize it was the fifth book in the series. Even though I hadn’t read the other books, this book stands on its own. The author brought in the relevant details about the characters from earlier in the series. I can’t wait to start from the beginning.

I strongly recommend this book for those who love strong attraction, a Christian message, and (my favorite) a cowboy romance.


Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Inspirational Romance, Cowboy Romance
Location: Chicago / Colorado
Time Period: 1871
Romance: Some kissing. Descriptive thoughts about attraction. Male character wants to overcome lustful thoughts.
Faith: Strong message of relying on God to change from old ways and learning to forgive oneself for past mistakes.


Disclaimer: I requested and received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

Jody Hedlund is ususally an automatic five star read for me, and I have loved every book previously in the Colorado Cowboy Series. The Last Chance Cowboy was enjoyable as well, but I just didn't love it like I usually do. In this prodigal son/redemption story, Dylan continues to try to right the wrongs of his inebriated, womanizing, gambling past while being faced with the temptations to return to it, With themes of forgiveness, danger, secrets, crime and general cowboy shenanigans the story was entertaining! I loved that the McQuaid brothers continued to be a tight-knit family and were always there to support each other. The mystery of what was going to happen when the truth was finally revealed kept me wanting to read more.

But there were some things that I just didn't like:
Marriage of convenience is one of my absolute favorite book tropes. However this marriage of convenience is based on miscommunication/mistaken identity, which I found frustrating. It wouldn't have bothered me so much, expect the miscommunication goes on for so long! Over half the book! As a sherriff, it didn't make sense to me that Dylan wouldn't have picked up on things before they were literally spelled out in front of him.
Also, Jody Hedlund is known for books with plenty of sizzle but this one felt like a little too much sizzle. The "chair kissing scene" was a bit over the top and seemed completely out of character for Catherine who I think would have minded very much that there other people in the same room. Don't take this the wrong way..I am a huge fan of Jody Hedlund and have read almost all of her books. I don't know...I guess I am getting tired of reading about how hot and muscular the male character is and how he ignites a fire in the female character's belly...the emphasis being on sexual chemistry. There are other ways to make a reader fall in love with the character or the characters to fall in love with one another.

The Last Chance Cowboy is the last book in the Colorado Cowboys series, and even though this story was not my favorite, I will admit I am sad to see the series end. The McQuaid family ...each member being so different...were fun to read about. All the books in the series can be read as a stand alone. Ivy's story, Falling for the Cowgirl, is still my my favorite of the five.

Thank you Jody Hedlund, Bethany House and Net Galley for the complimentary DRC of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This is an outstanding read. It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. Catherine and Dylan's story is full of drama, suspense, romance and faith. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House and Jody Hedlund via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Beautiful Second Chance Novel!

This story reeled me in from the opening scene and didn’t let go. I have read many books by author Jody Hedlund but this was the first one I’ve read from her Colorado Cowboys series. This book was so good that I must now go back and read the other preceding books in the series which focus on each of the other McQuaid siblings. I love a good marriage of convenience story and this book was that, plus filled with danger, suspense, romance and an uplifting message that with faith in God, you can begin again and not let the past define you. Forgiveness of oneself and others was also a prevailing theme, along with redemption. Catherine Remington and Dylan McQuaid were a mismatched couple at the beginning of this story which made for interesting reading to find out how things could possibly work out in their favor. Miscommunication played a significant role in their issues, along with societal expectations and improving one’s reputation. I found this book very hard to put down and would definitely recommend it to readers of Christian historical romance.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher and Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed above are my own.

The Last Chance Cowboy was received from NetGalley. This is the fifth installment in the series. Dylan has turned from his wild ways and has returned to the family fold and is sheriff. He is facing an election challenge and cattle rustlers. Catherine arrives from Chicago with Dylan’s child. A case of mistaken identity, and running from trouble in Chicago, Catherine became Dylan’s wife. Eventually the truth is found out and they both must face each other and the consequences of their actions. This was a fabulous read. It extends the story of the family perfectly.

The Last Chance Cowboy is the last in a lively series of novels set in Colorado during the gold rush. Full disclosure: I've never been interested in westerns until Jody wrote this series, and I did not expect to enjoy them so much. But her characters are delightful and getting to see old favorites again in this final book made it even more fun. I appreciated the twist on a marriage of convenience mixed with a case of mistaken identity. The heroine being so strong--no damsel in distress here--was also a good choice by Jody, mixed with the vulnerability and guilt our dashing hero battles. As long as Jody writes westerns I guess I'll keep reading them, even if my husband teases me about their titles.

If you have enjoyed the McQuaid family stories in Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series, don’t miss The Last Chance Cowboy. This is the fifth and final book in this great historical fiction romance series set in the Colorado Territory during the 1870s. Join Catherine Remington as she journeys from Chicago in search of baby Austin’s father, Dylan McQuaid.
The Last Chance Cowboy can be read as a standalone but reading other books in the series enriches the characters and their story. I recommend The Last Chance Cowboy to readers who enjoy strong female characters, a Western setting, and a Christian message. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.