I loved this book so much! Jody Hedlund always knocks it out of the park and this book was no exception. Last Chance Cowboy is the 5th and final book of the Colorado Cowboys series and what an amazing ending it was!

I thoroughly enjoyed Dylan and Catherine's story! Dylan has made a lot of past mistakes but after having some debt cleared and being able to return to Colorado he decides to change. He has worked to put his past behind him, but then Catherine shows up with the son he didn’t know he had. This time he is going to make things right. In a case of mistaken identity he does the honorable thing and marries Catherine and becomes a father to little Austin.

I really liked getting to know more about Dylan in this book. His charming personality won me over and everytime he said darling I swooned. I felt for him each time he struggled with his past and forgiving himself. Then there is Catherine. She is so sweet and brave. You couldn’t ask for a better heroine in a book! I especially enjoyed the scenes when she gets to use her midwife skills and show how passionate she was to help the women who needed her.

I loved pretty much everything about this book! The engaging characters. The beautiful story of forgiveness and second chances. Faith was such an important part of this story and I loved how Dylan leaned on his time and time again.

Honestly the book was unputdownable! It is one of those books you want to keep reading but at the same time you want to slow down because you never want it to end. I still need to backtrack and read the first two books in the series. I have enjoyed each book I have read in this series but I think this is my favorite so far!

I may have only found Jody Hedlund a few months ago but I have read a dozen of her books since then and she is definitely an auto read author for me now.

Don’t miss this! If you love cowboy romances or even if you aren’t sure yet, grab a copy of this one. I highly recommend it!

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

A favorite quote of mine from an exasperated Dylan McQuaid, “Maybe this time he needed to leave the storm calming to the only One who’d ever been able to rebuke the wind and waves.”
A perfect book to read on Valentine's Day February 14, 2023, which is also release day! Author Jody Hedlund writes with a flourish of drama, adventure, and romance. The Last Chance Cowboy has a handsome, rugged cowboy, Dylan McQuaid, from a family of the same kind of men plus one cowgirl, who could take on any of her brothers. Jumping to conclusions and not admitting to the whole story gets the main characters Dylan McQuaid and Catherine Remington in over their heads and what a mess it is. I have delighted in this series. The books are stand-alone but trust me you will want to read the whole series.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and author. The opinions are my own.

This book just felt GOOD.

As the final installment in the Colorado Cowboys, this one just wrapped everything up like a big hug.

It featured tropes like
-marriage of convenience
-mistaken identity
-secret child
(All the hard ones, right?!) Somehow the author was able to put small twists in these tropes that really made the story and the characters shine.

Anyone that’s been following along with the series knows that Dylan was a “wayward son” so to speak. Well, the prodigal son returns home, welcomed by the love of his concerned family and is determined to turn his life around.
This story is about Dylan McQuaid. He may be changing his life around, but some consequences of his past catch up to him.

Along the way he learns the power of God’s forgiveness and unwavering love. That even when we’ve messed up, good things can still be ours if we turn to God.

Catherine is a midwife in the wrong place at the wrong time who gets wrapped up in a heap of trouble.

It was a bitter sweet goodbye to the McQuaid family, but Jody Hedlund couldn’t have done a better job at closing it out.

Content mentioned in this “Wild West” story— Death during childbirth, lots of talk of childbirth, drinking, prostitution mentioned, murder, mild action sequences, talk of consummating a marriage.

This story is closed door.
No language.
Is the final book in the series, but can be read as a standalone.

Oh, Jody Hedlund how do you do it?! I absolutely LOVED this book! This entire series has been incredible and Dylan's story did not disappoint. A true redemption story, Dylan is a prodigal son, returned from living a life of temptation and vices, he is determined to get things right and right his wrongs. I thought this was one of the best redemption stories I've read and honestly appreciated the hopeful message Dylan's story provided as well as his character's growth. It was super realistic too with how his struggles didn't just disappear, but he trusted and turned to God and I loved how his family stood by him even as he worked to repair their relationships.
Catherine was the perfect complement for Dylan. I enjoyed the way the romance was set up, the marriage of convenience and mistaken identity. The chemistry just oozed off the page and I was fully here for the swoon! Dylan was legit a CHARMER. :) I also appreciated Catherine’s insecurities and the way Dylan helped her gain confidence in herself. There was so much to love in this book, I just want to gush about it all day.
I completely recommend this novel! Do not miss it. It works as a standalone, but I am glad to have read the series in order simply to appreciate where everyone is at this point.
Content: inspirational Christian themes, fabulous romantic chemistry, clean romance with swoony kisses.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Last Chance Cowboy
by Jody Hedlund
Pub Date: February 14, 2023
Bethany
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
I was drawn to this book by the author! Hedlund is an excellent writer. My only complaint is that I believe, in my opinion, that the romance is going a bit too far for a Christian novel. If I want more, I can always read romance in another publisher.
This story was a great ending to the series. This was the fifth book in the series, and it was great. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading them in order.
Love Jody Hedlund!
5 stars

I have mixed thoughts and feelings about this book. On one hand, the plot was mostly predictable and cookie-cutter, but on the other hand, I was still gripping the edge of my seat at points. The characters were okay. The writing was good as per usual for Jody Hedlund.

I think the main issue for me is that her books are just getting worse for the content. Yes, the characters had histories that were a bit more risqué than her other books, but still. The content, particularly the romance, in Hedlund's books are getting to be more than what should be appropriate for Christian Fiction. Of course, that is my opinion.

A minor thing, but I thought Trudy's controlling-ness was annoying.

Also, the almost stereotype or plot of a character making assumptions about what they think will happen if they tell the truth, and therefore not telling the truth, is so annoying to me. Yes, it always happens that the truth comes out and whatnot, always in a dramatic way. But I think there are better ways for a book's plot to be edge-of-your-seat besides lying.

Alrighty. This review is a bit of a mess. Oh well.
Not my favourite of the series.

2.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC.

The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund is the last of the Colorado Cowboys series.

Catherine Remington is an upper class young woman who is also a midwife. She assists in a birth in a Chicago brothel that turns sad with the passing of Kit. Kit's last request is for Catherine to take the baby to his father in Colorado. Catherine is at odds. How is she going to take the baby from Chicago all the way to Colorado? But when she witnesses a murder, she is forced to run, as the killer is placing the blame on her.

Dylan McQuaid has changed his ways since returning to Colorado, leaving the drunkenness' and womanizing behind. He is now the sheriff of Fairplay and hopes to be reelected in the fall. But when Catherine shows up with his baby, the misunderstanding leads to a quick marriage as Catherine has fallen in love with baby Austin.

This is absolutely the loveliest love story I've read in a long while. Jody Hedlund has written such an engaging story that is clean, uplifting and beautifully written about God's forgiveness and redemption. I had a hard time putting it down, as I loved every minute of it.

Hedlund is such an outstanding author. Her stories are full of believable characters. Romance, drama, adventure, self forgiveness. I have read many of her books and she never fails to bring an element of faith that is not preachy. Just good story telling.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in clean Christian historical romance. Beautifully written and inspiring.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An engaging western marriage of convenience romance, that pulled me in from the very beginning.

Catherine is a midwife with a big heart, who has always dreamed of a family of her own, but a birthing takes a turn for the worst when the mother dies and Catherine is framed for murder. She promises to deliver the baby safely to his father in Colorado.

Dylan McQuaid has made a lot of mistakes in his life, but everything is finally starting into fall into place now that his debt is paid off, and he is serving as the Sheriff of Fairplay. But that all threatens to come tumbling down when a woman he doesn't recognize shows up with his child in tow.

A terrific addition to this entertaining series and perhaps my favorite of the series. I loved how Catherine was willing to go the extra mile to help others, no matter the hour or situation. She has a big heart, and is an amazing mother. I loved seeing her and Dylan get to know each other, as well as the chemistry between them. Dylan has come a long way, and it was nice to see the man he is becoming.

It was also fun to see other members of the McQuaid family and see their love for one another. Overall, this was an amazing conclusion to the series, with instantly likable protagonists, and a quick hook. I very much enjoyed the humor of the situation, and the growing chemistry between them. Plus, Stu and Trudy were a hoot! An amazing read from beginning to end!

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

What a wonderful ending to the Colorado Cowboys series! I loved it so much! I wish there was more for this family of cowboys. They're wonderful!!! I might be a bit gushing in this review but I can't help myself with how much I have enjoyed this whole series. But this book about Dylan and the previous book about his sister Ivy are my favorite of the series.

These characters have had some serious ups and downs and struggles in their lives. But I have loved so much watching how they have learned and had to grow to come through and overcome them! The faith and trust in God and each other plays a big part in how they each were able to find joy and peace in their lives. Especially finding forgiveness of not only others, but of themselves. Yes, they've made mistakes. Some of them bigger mistakes than others. But as they (especially Dylan) comes to understand the need to forgive himself and to continue to be better and progress forward, he finds clarity and peace and joy and love in his life. Such a beautiful story!

Catherine and Dylan have kind of a humorous start to their marriage. But unfortunately there are some sad and hard components as well. I loved having a front row seat as a reader, watching them learn to work together and support each other. But most importantly to trust each other.

They were just so wonderful together. I think that might be my chosen word for this review...wonderful! But it is very accurate. I just smile thinking about the scenes between Catherine and Dylan. Add in that darling baby and you'll be smitten with this sweet family. I know I was! And every time Dylan said "darlin'" in that cowboy drawl of his, Catherine wasn't the only one swooning. ;)

Catherine's character was so full of compassion and care and understanding towards others. I loved her. She didn't care what another's circumstances or what they were dealt through life, she offered her help and care. And she was amazing as a midwife. Those scenes of her delivering babies were so well written!

Overall, I can't recommend reading this whole series enough! You could read them as standalones but you'd probably enjoy getting to know each of these McQuaid siblings and their stories and families by reading all of the books!

Content: Clean. This is a marriage of convenience story but there are no explicit scenes, just some kissing. Some mild innuendos. This is a Christian fiction novel so the characters do think and talk and turn to God in thought and prayer. Some mild moments of peril. Some scenes of childbirth and some description of the birthing process.

I received a copy from the publisher, Bethany House. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

I really don't know how it's even possible, but every book in this series has gotten even better than the one before! I've been waiting for Dylan's story since we "met" him at the beginning of the series, and it was definitely worth the wait.

The Last Chance Cowboy is the fifth and final book in Jody Hedlund's Colorado Cowboys series. Catherine Remington has never been successful in the romance department, so she's immersed herself in her job as a midwife and bringing new life into the world regardless of the circumstances surrounding the birth. When a birth goes wrong, she accidentally finds herself running from criminal...and on the way to deliver a motherless baby to his father. Dylan McQuaid has changed drastically in the past few months, and has moved closer to his brothers' and sister's ranches to take a job as the local sheriff. Unfortunately, some in the town don't think he's up to the task. When Catherine shows up with a child he knew nothing about, Dylan has some big decisions to make. Catherine has grown quite fond of the little one and quickly yields to the plan that will help keep him in her life, but she never could have foreseen the way the past was about to catch up to both Dylan and herself.

I love a good redemption story, so I've been looking forward to Dylan's story since we first saw him as a troubled teen. I loved seeing his character grow and change for the better, while working to repair and develop strong relationships with his family and those around him as well as his Heavenly Father. Catherine was a strong but sweet heroine. Midwifery has always fascinated me, so I enjoyed getting a peek into her job throughout the book. I loved seeing the bond she formed with little Austin, and the way she easily stepped into the mothering role after his mother's request. She and Dylan were fantastic together, and it was fun to see their relationship grow. Of course, secret keeping rarely ends well, and I wished they had had some big talks earlier on, but that's what makes the story, right? The suspense of Catherine being a fugitive also added a fun aspect throughout the novel. All in all, this book was a fantastic ending to the series, and I can't wait to see what Jody has planned next.

If you enjoy historical/western romance, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of The Last Chance Cowboy, as well as the previous books in the series. I think you'll love the McQuaids just as much as I do!

*As a launch team member, I received a complimentary copy of The Last Chance Cowboy through the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

I read this 5th book of the series this wraps up the family saga that has been wonderful throughout. Jody has the ability to bring us into the family and fall in love with all the characters. If you have not read this saga then you need to run out and get them or pick them up on Amazon.
I loved this story because it shows that we can misunderstand the whole premise of a situation but still be able to work it out in the end. Maybe by having misunderstood the situation it gave the characters time to get to know each other and not make rash decisions on what was going on. How many times have we met someone and rush to judgement due to their dress or mannerisms and then later were lucky enough to get to know them and find a lifelong friend.
The other thing that is superb about this story is that Catherine never right out lies to Dylan and Dylan can't remember the past so they get to start a new wonderful life together.

In a series I’ve loved so much, it’s hard to pick a favorite. And I’m not sure if Dylan’s story takes top spot or not, but it sure is close!

Dylan McQuaid has done a lot of things wrong in his life. He had to go on the run for years because of a gambling debt. He drank himself into a lot of poor choices. He made mistakes with a lot of women. But when his sister and best friend give him a clean slate and a chance to come home, Dylan also takes the second chance God offers him as well. As acting sheriff in FairPlay he’s doing everything he can to help solve the rustling problem and help the townsfolk - and himself - stay on the straight and narrow. I love redemption stories, and poor Dylan, who we have seen struggle this entire series, finally gets his.

So what’s a reformed prodigal supposed to do when a woman shows up with his baby? Propose marriage of course… except the woman who so clearly loves his son isn’t the baby’s mother… but the midwife carrying out her dying wish.

With her own set of problems, Catherine accepts Dylan’s offer without knowing he’s unaware she’s not the woman he wronged. By the time she realizes the mistake, she’s already starting to fall for the handsome sheriff who is trying so hard to be the best kind of man.

So ensues a story wrought with misunderstanding, forgiveness, sweet and sizzling romance, family dynamics, an adorable baby, and two fantastic characters looking for a second chance. As always, Jody Hedlund delivers!

It’s easy to see why Catherine falls for Dylan. What a sweetheart! And Catherine, with all of her self doubt, is a capable and confident midwife. She is relatable and genuine. The love they both have for baby Austin makes you melt. This is one of those stories where you see the mistakes coming and you yell at the characters to avoid them… but of course they don’t. And that’s what makes such a great story anyway!

I loved the second chance themes and the fact that Dylan still struggles with his former vices despite his new faith in Christ. I loved the dynamic between Dylan and Catherine. As a new mom, I especially enjoyed Austin’s role in this story! And as with any great series, the returning characters known and loved from the other books help to make the current story more special.

This whole series lives on my favorites shelf, so it’s clear they all come highly recommended by me. If you love historical romance, the Colorado Cowboys series is for you!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and publisher and was not asked for a positive review. My opinions are my own.

Not surprisingly, I LOVED IT!
This is such a great story of faith being worked.

Sometimes even after we “clean up,” there are consequences that we must walk through - but it doesn’t mean forgiveness hasn’t happened. It’s just part of the journey, too!

Loved this sweet clean heat romance.

4.5 stars! As I opened the first few pages of this book, I was equally excited and sorrowful. So happy to finally have Dylan’s story in my hands and sad that my favorite cowboy series has come to a conclusion and it is time to say goodbye to the McQuaid siblings. Although I’m hoping we get to revisit the Colorado Cowboys, maybe Astrid’s story? 🤞🏼

I am a sucker for a redemption story. I have a deep conviction that people can change. Maybe not fundamentally who we are, but we can become better versions of ourselves. That the goodness and humanity in our souls can be derailed, but we can always find our way back. I knew there was so much to Dylan and I loved getting to see him become the man we all hoped he would be.

This is the story of a man who has made a lot of mistakes. He was lost and has resorted to vices in his life to help obliterate his pain. At the end of Ivy’s story he finally comes home. This book picks up a little while later, as he is piece by piece, he is trying desperately to find his way back to God and put his life together.

Little does he know that a surprise from his past is going to show up and bring back feelings of heartache & regret that he is going to have to come to terms with and learn to forgive himself for.

Catherine is a midwife who after delivering Dylan’s son that he has no knowledge of, brings the baby out west to find him. I loved her character as a midwife and her sense of duty to those women who need help and cannot always get it.

This story contained one of my most favorite and least favorite tropes. I’m not going to say what they are, just read it & find out for yourself. Jody put a spin on one aspect of this that made me appreciate it though. And the way she tells the story helps you see different perspectives & why we make the choices that we do.

This book was full of so many beautiful messages. Forgiveness, trust, redemption, family, perseverance, and how true love can be the healing balm to our hearts.

I challenge you to read all the Colorado Cowboys and fall in love with the mountains, horses, wide-open skies, simpler times, and men full of hard-work, passion, & integrity.

THE LAST CHANCE COWBOY is the fifth novel in the Colorado Cowboys series by JODY HEDLUND. I have read and enjoyed the previous books and found The Last Chance Cowboy to be just as good a read. I particularly like the way this author understands human nature, and I also love her strong Christian message largely based on Psalm 139:14 and Romans 8:28. I am enjoying the characters I have come to know with the new ones who come into play. Having said all this, this book can stand alone.
It is a story about broken people, second chances, forgiveness, perceived betrayal, unconditional love, murder, false accusations, family life, and the choices people make.
The story starts in 1871 with Catherine Remington, a midwife who has just delivered a beautiful baby boy in a Chicago brothel. The mother dies and a man is murdered in the passage, causing Catherine to run away in fear for her life to Fairplay to take the baby to his father, Dylan McQuaid. …….
That is all I am going to tell you for fear of spoiling things for you.
I highly recommend The Last Chance Cowboy to anyone who enjoys a good cowboy romance.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I loved this book! I have loved reading this whole series but I think this is my favorite book of the series. I loved how this book was a story of second chances and about redemption. I loved seeing Dylan change and become the person he could be. I also loved the romance between Catherine and Dylan. I loved how they had struggles but learned that you couldn’t run from trouble but needed to face them and it was better together. I read this book in one day because I could not put it down. I loved the characters and the story. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Dylan is trying to do what's right. He is remorseful of his past. Will he ever forgive himself? Will others?

Catherine found herself in a difficult situation. She is afraid what will happen if her secret gets out. She feels that if it does she will be rejected and abandoned.

Ever feel that way? It can consume you and take over all your thoughts. No one can know your poor decisions and past mistakes. If they do, they won't love me.



Philippians 3:13-14 New LivingTranslation (NLT)

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Asking GOD for forgiveness and know all is forgiven.

I absolutely loved the book. I couldn't put it down. This book was part of a series : Colorado Cowboys. I read all of them. Great stories and likeable characters.

#JodyHedlund

The Last Chance Cowboy was the perfect ending to this fabulous series!

Jody Hedlund has created a lovely, engaging story with characters that you genuinely care about and want to cheer for. The plot moves at a good pace with enough action to keep things exciting, while also including some deep reflection and soul-searching that keep Dylan and Catherine developing throughout the story.

The romance was swoon-worthy, and the bonds between a loving, supportive family was beautiful.

Faith is an important aspect throughout the book, and I especially loved the themes of second chances, forgiveness of self, and God's unconditional love for His children. "It's amazing when He begins to fit all the shattered pieces back together and makes something better than we could have imagined."

This is one of my favorite series and I am sad to say goodbye to the McQuaid Family. It's been a lovely journey!

Many thanks to the author, Bethany House Publishing, and NetGalley for a copy. All opinions are completely my own.

Oh my! Dylan and Catherine's story is wonderful and the best one! "Sigh"
Fast paced from the get go and doesn't let go until the end.
I finished this book on one day.
I just couldn't put it down until I completed my favorite couple's journey.
This quote is the absolute truth! In my opinion this just about sums up my review for this book.
"Guess God was preparing you for this position all along during those years in Chicago." It's amazing when He begins to fit all the shattered pieces back together and makes something better than we can ever imagine. "
God has a plan for everyone and I loved Catherine for having the courage to step out of her comfort zone and facing wherever it was that God may lead her.
Such a brave young lady.
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have to admit that I have not read the first 4 books of this series. I am planning to now, just ordered them from Amazon. It will be interesting to see how these couples got together.
I did find it a little hard to believe that Dylan did not remember Catherine's face but it all worked out. I liked Stu and Trudy and hope that they are included in the other books.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.