Review: "To Tame a Cowboy" by Jody Hedlund

Do you have genres you never read, except when an author you love writes in that genre? That's me with western fiction/cowboy romances. It's one of those genres that I'm never drawn to, even though I live in the "Wild West." But when Jody Hedlund releases another cowboy romance, I am all in. 

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They share a passion to heal what is broken, but it’s their own hearts that need to be made whole.

Brody McQuaid is a broken man, and he knows it. While his body survived the war, his soul did not. Besides loving his little niece, his only sense of purpose comes from saving the wild horses that roam South Park. Ranchers in the area have taken to killing the horses, which are competing with their cattle to feed on the open grass.

Savannah Marshall is a veterinarian on her family’s Colorado ranch. She longs to keep her father happy following the tragic death of her older brother, including marrying a man of his choosing. But days before her wedding, she gets cold feet and disappears to South Park. As she learns more about the destruction of the horses, she joins Brody in an attempt to save the wild creatures. But when Savannah’s family and the resentments of the area cattlemen catch up with them both, Brody and Savannah will have to tame their fears if they’ve any hope to let love run free.

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I love a good wounded hero, and Brody McQuaid certainly fits the bill! Brody is so spiritually and emotionally crippled following his experiences in the Civil War, and, while his young niece helps pull him out of his fog, it's not until Savannah shows up on the scene that he truly begins to heal.

Savannah is fleeing an unwanted engagement when she encounters the McQuaids. While she helps Brody heal, he helps her to find her voice and overcome her people-pleasing tendencies. They truly are a perfect match.

So here's what I loved (as non-spoilery as possible):

• Honesty is a Hallmark of Savannah and Brody's relationship
• Sizzling chemistry and wonderful romantic scenes that never cross the line
• A realistic villain (who you know will never win)
• While Savannah helps Brody, it's very clear that the Lord is ultimately responsible for his healing
• Check-ins with the other McQuaids, and a great setup for Ivy's story

I absolutely devoured this book! I'm glad I haven't read book two yet (I read A Cowboy for Keeps last year) because now I'll still be able to spend time with the McQuaids while I wait for Ivy's book! 5 stars.

Content note: Brody struggles with PTSD, which can be hard to read about. Also, a suicide attempt in the past is briefly discussed.

Buy the book (Amazon ad).

Read my reviews of A Cowboy for Keeps (4 stars) and other Jody Hedlund novels.

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Jody Hedlund is the award-winning author of multiple novels, including the Beacons of Hope and Orphan Train series, as well as Captured by Love and Rebellious Heart. She holds a bachelor's degree from Taylor University and a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin, both in social work. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband and five children. Learn more at jodyhedlund.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in this post are affiliate links; this means if you click the link and purchase an item, I will receive a small commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."