Cover Image: Falling for the Cowgirl

Falling for the Cowgirl

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

The reader is taken back to the heart of Colorado in this book as we continue along with the story of the McQuaids. The story centers around Ivy, which is so exciting to see as she continues to grow up. I didn't remember Jericho from the previous books but he was an exciting character to read about as well. This is the book for you if you enjoy adventure, romance and cowboy life!!



Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own!

Was this review helpful?

I have been waiting patiently for Ivy’s story! 



She has been quite a handful in the past books. Speaking her mind has been one of the things I expect. I thought I knew what would happen but was surprised a few times! I enjoyed getting to catch up with all the sibs! 

I won’t spoil this read for anyone. If you haven’t read the other books you’ll want to grab them too! Happy reading!

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

Was this review helpful?

"Nothing beat the sound of winning. Of course, it'd be better if she could hear the sound of winning while dressed as a woman instead of as a man. But something was better than nothing" (location 64). Right off the bat you get a feel for Ivy and her personality. Growing up with four brothers, she's used to roping, shooting, and working the farm. If she can't compete in the roping contest because she's a woman, she'll do it dressed as "Buster Bliss." I've always loved rodeos and could picture it all so clearly. It was a great start to the book.

Ivy's feistiness came out in just about every conversation with Jericho. She's long had a crush on him and is ready to see if he might care for her a little bit too. He, however, is trying to keep her at arm's distance since he doesn't want to drag her into danger. But she keeps pushing all his buttons. It was highly entertaining and I loved their chemistry.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will look forward to learning more about Dylan in the next book. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Jericho Bliss and Ivy McQuaid could not be more perfect for one another. Yet they keep fighting one another on their attraction. Even blaming each other for said attraction.

Ivy is the youngest of the McQuaid siblings and the only girl. Her four older brothers are very protective of her, so much so that she has to sneak out and get in character of a cowboy to win enough money to buy her own ranch. They would surely lock her up and throw away the key if they only knew what she was up to.

Jericho has come back into Ivy's life after breaking her heart. She is also not the only one who has a secret. And his chosen profession may put Ivy in danger, so the only way he can protect her is to stay away from her. And certainly not marry her.
Well, Ivy manages quite well to continue to get in trouble and in dangerous situations all her own. Can Jericho leave her and possibly lose her forever, or can he take a chance on a future with her?

Their relationship was quite comical at times. Their push and pull with one another could be quite maddening. Everyone knew what they should have known, and her overprotective brothers did not always help the situation. This story was full of romance, family, mystery, and danger and I recommend the whole series about a family who have gone through tragedy and start over in Colorado as cowboys and cowgirls.

I have enjoyed my visit again with the McQuaid family and I am looking forward to Dylan, the prodigal brother's story.

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.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book by Jody Hedlund! I have loved her Colorado Cowboy series but I think this might be my favorite. I have loved Ivy as a character from the first time we saw her and I am so glad they we get to see her as a strong, grown up woman. I loved the tension between her and Jericho and I am so glad that things worked out. I loved that there was a good amount of adventure and romance. This was a fun book to read and I highly recommend it.

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.

Was this review helpful?

This was a great read that takes you back in time to the 1800’s. Ivy is a strong spirited woman living during a time when women’s abilities are limited. She’s living with family but desperately wants to be on her own. Jericho is back in town, after leaving Ivy and her family on bad terms, and pursuing a dangerous criminal. Ivy and Jericho find each other and discover that they are drawn together but circumstances keep tearing apart. I enjoyed reading this book because it reminded me of what life was like long ago. It was a sweet romance that keep me turning pages long into the night!

Was this review helpful?

I believe this is the first book I’ve read with a cowgirl heroine. What fun!

I’ve ready at least a dozen historical novels by Jody Hedlund, including fairytale retelling, time travel, medieval, and now—cowboy/cowgirl. She’s so diverse in her research and quite a talent. And I love this clean read with a western setting.

In Falling for the Cowgirl, I connected with Ivy rather quickly. Not because I know anything about horses, sheep, farming, or the west, but because I can be both spirited and impulsive (at times, anyway.) Then there’s Jericho, who is certainly swoon-worthy when it comes to heroes. Blend them together and you find yourself in the kind of page-turning, push-and-pull relationship I seek in fiction!

There are so many things to love about this story—the chemistry, romance, wit, and especially the elements of faith and forgiveness. I haven’t read the previous books in this Colorado Cowboy series, but I didn’t feel as if I missed anything. I’d love to go back to get a bit more history on these folks though. I enjoyed Ivy and Jericho’s story tremendously.

Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

I couldn’t wait to read Ivy’s story! I first met her in an earlier book in this series, and I was so hoping she got her own book. Falling for the Cowgirl is the fourth book in the Colorado Cowboys series, and I loved reading every single one. This series follows the McQuaid family as they try to make their way in Colorado. Ivy is the youngest and has four older brothers. To say she is bossed around is putting it lightly. Growing up on a ranch and around horses has given Ivy a unique set of skills, and she spent her whole life honing them. Sneaking into the ranch hands competitions at neighboring farms seems like a great idea. She might finally be able to save enough money for a place of her own. That is until Jericho comes along again.

Jericho broke her heart once, and that’s enough for any woman. But being around each other in a small town just might put Ivy to the test. Her feelings were strong and true, but was not enough for the cowboy turned Pinkerton. They are both up for the fight of their lives, and relying on each other might be their only choice.

I loved watching the chemistry between Ivy and Jericho. They are both such strong unique characters and I couldn’t get enough. Hedlund threw in a bunch of twists and turns I could not see coming. I loved every moment of it. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance with a little suspense mixed in. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 19, 2022
Another win for Ms. Hedlund with this fun, delightful and swooning historical romance!
This is the fourth installment in the Colorado Cowboys and I think it even surpasses the other three, if that’s possible (because I loved the others too!). Maybe it’s that I fell so in love with the characters. In any case, this was a fantastic story that kept me engaged from page one until the end! I had a hard time putting it down!
Ivy McQuaid is the feisty younger sister of four protective brothers. But she alone can rope and ride better than all of them together. If they only knew… She’s been disguising herself as a man called Buster Bliss and has been participating for a while in riding and roping contests. She’s saving the money to buy herself a piece of land where she can start a ranch of her own and being independent for once. But there’s one man who sees perfectly behind her façade, and that is Jericho Bliss (the surname she herself used for her disguise!), her secret childhood crush who broke her heart when he up and left without explanation. Jericho has loved Ivy for a long time, but he’s his best friend’s sister, and Dylan made it clear she is off boundaries. But at least he can keep an eye on her, can he not? Ivy spells trouble wherever she goes, so he’ll need to keep a close eye, especially when unwanted (to him) suitors keep pestering her. Doesn’t she realize the allure she has? But Jericho is an undercover Pinkerton Agent, and has a secret mission that has brought him to Fairplay, searching for a dangerous war criminal. No one should know, least of all Ivy, lest he put her in dangers way. Problems arise when he decides to pretend to want to purchase a land to make people around think he’s settling, only to find out that Ivy is after the same land. Can he compete with Ivy in a “fair” play to get the land? He tries to resist spunky Ivy’s charms but too late realizes he has already fallen -and hard- for her. He tries to push her away and fight his growing attraction. His worst nightmare comes alive as he realizes he has put Ivy in dangers way. Will he be able to save her and keep his heart intact? Or is Ivy worth defying all odds for a forever love? Will he break her heart for a second time?
I absolutely loved Ivy and Jericho’s journey! It had everything I like to see in a book: strong yet relatable characters, a captivating plot with unexpected twists, lots of adventure, witty banter and laugh out loud moments, and the swooniest romance! Sigh! The romance had a lot of sparks and great chemistry, yet even if it was passionate, it was always clean and limited to swooning kisses. I loved many things about the character’s: Ivy’s sassy and full of life attitude, her straightforwardness, her grit and strong determination, her big heart and her witty comments; Jericho was, other than ruggedly handsome, a swooning hero with a protective nature, a noble heart and courageousness willing to sacrifice anything to do what’s best for Ivy and keep her safe. They were both lovable, and their romance so endearing. I loved how Ivy flirts with him and tries to make him jealous by entertaining other suitors, as well as Jericho trying to scare them off. And I especially loved Jericho’s declaration of love and the roping scene.
The story also had a faith thread that inspired me, and didn’t feel too preachy, about what real love means, forgiveness and second chances.
All in all, a wonderful western romance that will delight you, make you laugh, sigh and bite your nails! I vividly recommend it! A must read!It can perfectly be read as a standalone, although I do recommend reading the series in order, because you get to know the McQuaid better over the years and fall more in love with them. I can’t wait for Dylan’s story and the conclusion to the series to come out now!
I received a complimentary book from Bethany House but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Ivy’s story has been much anticipated and does not disappoint. Ivy and Jericho have grown up as close as brother and sister, but Ivy always had stronger feelings for Jericho. But when he left town and hadn’t returned, she had given up hope. Jericho had to get Dylan out of town quickly, to save his life. Dylan, Ivy’s brother, had gotten himself into some big gambling debts and had death warrant on his head. Jericho was back in town, secretly searching for a wanted man. Jericho was now an agent for the Pinkerton detective agency. When he laid eyes on Ivy, she had grown into a beautiful woman. But he could not have her, he wouldn’t hurt her or put her life in danger.
This is such a fun book, I love how feisty Ivy is, she is determined to get what she wants. Since she can’t have a man she loves, she settles for land. But that just gets her into more trouble, everywhere she turns, she hits obstacles. The chemistry between Ivy and Jericho is evident. But Ivy’s brothers are very protective. Just when you think all will work out, another log is thrown on the fire. Jody Hedland definitely knows how to spin a web, her stories are intriguing, suspenseful, engaging and sweet romance. This is book 4 out of 5. They all can be read as a standalone. I have throughly enjoy them all and looking forward to Dylan’s story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this story! Being the only girl with four older brothers has its challenges but Ivy proved she was up for the challenge. This is a story full of adventure, hope, and love.

Was this review helpful?

Falling for the Cowgirl is a spirited and captivating addition to the Colorado Cowboys series. Readers could pick up this title and enjoy it, even if they haven’t read the other books. However, I was thrilled to return to the town of South Park and catch up with the characters from the earlier novels.

Ivy and Jericho’s romantic chemistry was perfect. When those two were together, it was impossible to not take notice of their attention toward each other. And try as he might, Jericho could not resist Ivy forever. Whew! Those kisses! It was clear that he and Ivy cared for each other, but Jericho’s determination to keep her safe by staying away from her ended up causing so much pain between them. The author did an amazing job of making me feel not only their love for each other, but also the pain they both felt at the hopelessness of never being able to have a future together.

I loved this story from start to finish and am so excited to read Dylan’s redemption story in the last book of the series.

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

Was this review helpful?

Jody Hedlund has done it again. I am constantly amazed that she can write fantastic stories in so many genres. Falling For The Cowgirl is a fantastic story with well-developed characters. I really enjoyed visiting with all the members of the McQuaid family. Ivy McQuaid as the youngest, and only girl, tried to keep up with her older brothers. Jericho Bliss has vowed to just be her friend. I loved watching them together. I highly recommend anything by Jody Hedlund.

So grab your favorite beverage and settle into your most comfortable reading spot for a delightful story.

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

Was this review helpful?

This was a great story. Ivy made for a likable character: feisty and stubborn-especially how she goes about trying to earn money to buy her own ranch. That was a fun element to the story especially when Jericho is added to the mix. Jericho is quite the character as well-he has a lot to overcome to be the man Ivy needs. Jody wove a fantastic tale for these two characters we have come to know and love in the earlier books in this series. Colorado Cowboys has been an entertaining series and I am looking forward to getting Dylan's story in a few months.

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

Was this review helpful?

Jody Hedlund really pulls the reader into the story! I enjoyed Ivy's story and appreciated her tomboyishness. It made her fun and different than the other female leads in the series. I also appreciated the longer timeline of the love story. That it built over years. I find a lot of Christian fiction focuses on "love at first sight" and forget to let the love story simmer and grow over time. I did find the story a little "kissy" - and have had this thought on other stories by this author. But the story as a whole is engaging and fun! I look forward to the next instalment.

Was this review helpful?

Falling for the Cowgirl is a sweet but sizzling cowgirl romance with daring rescues, treasure hunts, dastardly villains, and even more adventure than you could expect! When we met Ivy McQuaid in the other books of the Colorado Cowboys series, we saw a spunky and awkward teenager that we knew would make a great heroine someday. Fast forward to Falling for the Cowgirl and Ivy McQuaid is now a spunky, beautiful, and naive woman who is turning heads with her beauty and fun personality. Even an independent cowgirl needs a hero like Jericho Bliss, though! The story has an emphasis on the importance of family, second chances, and being confident in yourself outside of a romantic relationship, so I adored the faith-filled messages of this story. The plot of this book has some fun surprises that kept me guessing, but the ending definitely did not disappoint. Jody Hedlund has delivered another captivating, exciting, and swoon-worthy romance, and those who love westerns in the Christian fiction genre would truly enjoy this series and this installment!

I received a copy of this book for review purposes. My thoughts are my own— I really did love it!

Was this review helpful?

I've been waiting for this one! Ivy has been one of my favourite McQuaid family characters since reading The Heart of a Cowboy, and I was so excited to get a chance to read her story before it released. As always, Jody has effortlessly woven together an epic tale that kept me glued to my seat (or my phone). I couldn't set it down once I'd started and finished it in the wee hours of the morning.

As the only girl in the family, Ivy McQuaid is sick and tired of being shielded from life by her protective older brothers. She's decided she's ready to make her own path in life, starting with competing in ranching competitions without her brothers' knowledge in an effort to earn enough to buy her own land. Her grit and determination will take her far...if it doesn't get her killed first.

Jericho Bliss is back after two years and, boy, is he in for a ride! He's been hiding his love for Ivy for years now, but a promise to his best friend, his job as a Pinkerton agent, and the horrific end his mother suffered have kept his feelings locked away. It'll be a whole lot harder to ignore his feelings for her when he isn't a few states away however, despite his determination to avoid her while searching for a dangerous war criminal. But, as always, trouble has a way of finding Ivy, and Jericho is about to get pulled into it alongside her.

I loved Jericho and Ivy together! Their witty banter and the comical situations they found themselves in kept me in stitches throughout the book. I was rooting for Ivy through every competition and later found myself mentally yelling at her when the mystery portion of the book really started to ramp up. There were definitely some steamy, yet clean and sweet, moments as the story went on. Both main characters relied heavily on God and their faith grew as the plot progressed. The plot was easily believable, romance was top-notch, and the suspense was just right. I fully enjoyed every moment of this novel, and cannot wait to see what happens next in the series.

This one gets an easy 5/5 stars from me. If you enjoy historical fiction, you'll want to get your hands on Falling for the Cowgirl (and the previous three books) ASAP!

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

Was this review helpful?

As the baby in a family of four brothers, Ivy McQuaid has grown up mostly motherless. Her father died at an early age, and when her mother remarried to save the family farm, Ivy felt as though her mother abandoned her to serve the whims of a violent new husband. After her mother’s death, the McQuaid siblings made their way to Colorado. On the trip west, Ivy and her brother Dylan spent hours with Jericho Bliss.

Once she settled in Colorado, she moved from one brother’s house to the next as space and need demands. Ivy longs for a place of her own. Ivy embraced everything about ranch life and soon became a skilled cowhand. She also fell in love with Jericho.

Ivy concocts a plan to earn money and buy a plot of land where she can raise sheep and prove to her big brothers she has what it takes to make a way for herself. But while Ivy can rope a calf faster than any cowboy on the range, she can’t seem to attract the only man she’s ever admired.

Jericho Bliss returns to Colorado as an undercover Pinkerton agent looking for an outlaw of the worst kind—a man who thinks nothing of torturing his victims while disguising himself as a law-abiding citizen.

Jericho concocts a cover story about wanting to settle near Fair Play and buy ranch land. He doesn’t realize Ivy wants the same place. Jericho must maintain his cover or risk endangering innocents—regardless of Ivy’s wishes. He hopes Ivy has grown out of her girlhood crush on him.

It’s clear from the start Ivy’s feelings haven’t changed, and Jericho struggles to avoid his growing feelings for her while avoiding her overprotective brothers and ferreting out a sly criminal.

Why I Loved This Book

Hedlund pens another fun installment in the Colorado Cowboys series. Readers can enjoy Falling for the Cowgirl as a standalone novel or, better yet, read the series about the McQuaid siblings. Sweet romance, intrigue, and danger keep the reader turning pages. Ivy struggles to understand her place in the family of God when she grew up in a dysfunctional home. Jericho struggles to forgive himself for the death of his brother.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve been looking forward to Ivy’s story, and it did not disappoint! I love how Ivy is so spunky, independent, and capable. She and Jericho are the perfect match, with him respecting who she is, and loving her for it. Jericho has had such a tragic life, and I feel like he deserves happiness more than anyone else in this series, and he gets it in such a perfect way, gaining a family as well as love with Ivy. I can’t say enough about how Jody Hedlund draws you in and makes you devour her books! I coils the put this one down, and it may be my favorite of the series, but I also cannot wait to find out Dylan’s story! As a side note, I would love for Judd to get a happily ever after in the next book! He’s my favorite side character!

Was this review helpful?

Calling for the Cowgirl, by Jody Hedlund, introduces Ivy McQuaid as she successfully brings down a steer in a roping contest. Unfortunately, in the year 1869, she can only accomplish this feat by disguising herself as a man. Ivy cannot believe it when the same day Jericho Bliss shows up. This is the very man Ivy had a crush on several years before!

Ivy is worried that Jericho will see through her disguise. When he realizes it is truly Ivy putting her life at risk, Jericho knows he must stop her at all costs. Not only does Jericho want to keep Ivy from getting hurt, he does not know what to do about his growing feelings for her. When Jericho gets caught by Ivy’s brothers with his arms around this beautiful woman, he knows that he has not only caused trouble with Ivy’s family but also put his own heart at risk!

Hold tight to see where Ivy and Jericho end up by the end of this fast-paced tale!

Was this review helpful?