The Last Chance Cowboy - (Colorado Cowboys) by Jody Hedlund

This was such a great story and I loved every minute I spent reading it. The story is set in 1871 Chicago and then carries on to FairPlay, Colorado. I felt at times that I was right there experiencing the same things as the characters. At one moment I could almost swear I heard a baby crying and had to stop and look around. Catherine is a successful midwife who finds herself in a situation where she is falsely accused of murder. In order to keep a promise made to a mother as a dying wish, Catherine makes a hasty decision to take the baby and run. Dylan is a sheriff in a small town in Colorado. Catherine shows up with his baby that he knows nothing about. Things then begin to get complicated. The story grabbed me so completely that I found myself staying up late just so I could continue reading. Dylan used “darlin’” many times while talking to Catherine and she used “oh my stars” when in a surprising situation. Such heartwarming and sincere words to delight this woman’s reading pleasure. And then there’s the cover with such a swoon worthy cowboy pictured. Had my heart fluttering for sure. Five stars! I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

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. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

4.5 stars ⭐️ A bittersweet ending to one of my all time favorite series. I’m so sad it’s over, but so grateful it happened!! And what a great cherry on top to our other cowboys. Dylan, he was our redemption story. He is the perfect example of the prodigal son who comes home after being gone. But this is the story of his time after he came home, the part where he needs to show everyone he has changed. And what better way than to fix the mistakes that follow you back home? If you’ve loved the other 4 books in this series, I have zero doubt you will love this one too.

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.

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!

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. It has secrets, false assumptions, and wrongdoings, as Hedlund offers a Dylan McQuaid that we've never seen before. He and sweet Catherine Remington 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.

Catherine has got to be one of my favorite heroines of this series! (Although, how can I even say that when I’ve loved ALL of them so much?!) I was enthralled by all of the characters in this story. From charming, determined and regretful Dylan, to innocent, caring and insecure Catherine, to sweet little baby Austin. Even the stoic and faithful Stu and his helpful and motherly wife, Trudy! Add in all the rest of the McQuaid relatives and this cast of characters was phenomenal! But don’t let this stellar lineup of personalities fool you into thinking that they are the only thing worth picking up this book for. No! The storyline, too, was heartrending, hopeful, angsty and just plain awesome! No sooner would I put my book down to do “life”, than I found my eyes drifting back to that enticing cover and wishing I could hop right back into it! I had a seriously hard time putting this book down. No question about it, The Last Chance Cowboy was a five-star read and has solidified Author Jody Hedlund as a must-read author for me for future releases!

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.

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.

This touching narrative wraps up the wonderful Colorado Cowboys series. Dylan’s story is all I had hoped it would be and more. As the prodigal son, Dylan bears a lot of guilt and regret for past actions and struggles to prove to his family and the community that he is a changed man. I love Catherine’s devotion as a midwife and how she helps Dylan rebuild his life. The plot moves at a steady pace with twists and surprises. As always, Ms. Hedlund’s characters, primary and secondary, jump off the page and into your heart. The romance, though threatened by deceit, is heartwarming and sweet. I greatly appreciate the faith lessons regarding redemption, forgiveness, and doing the right thing. It was delightful to reconnect with the other members of the McQuaid family and catch up on their lives. I truly enjoyed this very satisfying ending to an awesome series and highly recommend it and the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are 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 to 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.