Jody Hedlund’s name is synonymous with masterfully written, historically accurate, compelling and immersive novels that transport you back in time and make you never want to leave!  Her new series is a bit unusual (for her) because it’s a western cowboy saga (her usual setting is earlier in history, and often in the UK), but still features all the elements we’ve come to expect from her writing.  “The Heart of a Cowboy” is the second instalment in the “Colorado Cowboys” series from Bethany House, and is a high-stakes adventure that was nearly impossible to put down.

I love western novels, and wagon-train tales such as this one are an especial favourite.  With outlaws, cattle drives, estranged brothers, and a heroine with a penchant for trouble, there is never a dull moment!  The one thing I found annoying, however, was how steamy the romance became, and how quickly it moved.  The refrain from both the hero and heroine was repetitive, with both continually saying they must forget about the other, and then of course never following through but doing the exact opposite.  I found this disappointing from Jody Hedlund, because although her romances do get steamy sometimes they are usually still fresh and thoughtfully done, rather than becoming annoying and repetitive.  

As a whole I still enjoyed this story, the setting, and the wide array of interesting characters.  It was not perfect for the reasons I pointed out above, but nevertheless was a memorable and entertaining novel – and I will definitely be on the lookout for the next “Colorado Cowboys” story to be released (hopefully) soon.  

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.”