Author, Jody Hedlund View RSS

New Book Release: May 2025 6 May 10:00 AM (8 days ago)

Today is the release of A Wager with the Matchmaker, another book in the Shanahan Match series. This is the much-anticipated story of Kiernan Shanahan, the oldest son in this big and loving family with six children.

 

Set in the frontier city of St. Louis, Missouri in late 1840s, Kiernan wants to start a brick-making business. As a savvy businessman, he hopes to develop a profitable brickyard as St. Louis businesses rebuild in the wake of a recent fire that destroyed large portions of the city.

 

He’s also doing his best to protect Alannah Darragh, the sister of one of his employees. As a maid in the Shanahan house, Alannah knows she can be fired for cavorting with the family. But as her attraction to Kiernan grows, she can’t resist spending more time with him, even though doing so puts her in danger.

 

As with all of my books, this story is full of my trademark sizzling and swoon-worthy romance! With class differences (and a Cinderella vibe), the characters are irresistibly drawn to each other in a forbidden romance. I hope you’ll enjoy seeing how this unlikely pair ends up together!

 

To find out more about A Wager with the Matchmaker visit my website at: https://jodyhedlund.com/books/a-wager-with-the-matchmaker/

 

 

New Book Release: March 2025 25 Mar 10:00 AM (last month)

 

Hooray! Today is a book birthday!

 

His Unforgettable Bride, the final book in Bride Ships: New Voyages is hitting shelves! As with the others in this series, the book is a stand-alone novel that highlights the real historical brides who left everything behind in England to sail halfway around the world to marry men in the Pacific Northwest.

 

This is the second book I’ve co-authored with the very talented Patti Stockdale (the first was His Treasured Bride). You might be wondering what does that co-writing look like? Who came up with the story ideas? How did we collaborate? How did the writing relationship work? How much did Patti write, and how much did I contribute?

 

Those are all good questions! Co-writing books will look different for everyone who does it. But since Patti and I were working together with Sunrise Publishing, we had more of a mentoring relationship (which has been a huge part of Sunrise Publishing’s premise). That meant that Patti and I worked very closely for almost every aspect of the book—initial story development, chapter-by-chapter plotting, brainstorming sessions, and even deciding upon the romance progression.

 

As we worked together to craft the first draft, Patti wrote each chapter and kept me apprised every step of the way. We talked through any issues that came up, and I felt as though I was right there in the story with her!

 

When she finished the first draft, I read the book (along with a Sunrise editor) and offered Patti more feedback for the first stage of editing (the rewrites). This macro edit usually involves deleting scenes and adding new ones along with revising character arcs, filling in plot holes, and changing an assortment of other things.

 

After Patti completed her rewrites (very superbly!), then it was my turn to go into the manuscript and add my flare. While trying to keep true to the story, I did some rewriting of my own, mostly pulling through plot threads that needed tightening.

 

After that, the book went back to Patti and additional Sunrise editors for more levels of editing. All that to say, the book was a huge labor of love for both Patti and me. And we’re so happy to be releasing it now to you! I hope that you’ll enjoy this concluding story of the bride ship series!

 

To find out more about His Unforgettable Bride visit my website at: https://jodyhedlund.com/books/his-unforgettable-bride/

 

 

New Book Release: February 2025 18 Feb 2:12 PM (2 months ago)

Whoo-hoo! It’s another book birthday!! Today is the release of His Perfect Bride, another installment in Bride Ships: New Voyages which is a spin-off series of my previous fan-favorite Bride Ships series.

 

This newest book was very fun to write because we decided to tie in the final two books in this series to fairy tales. His Perfect Bride has Beauty and the Beast vibes, and His Unforgettable Bride (releasing in March 2025) has Cinderella vibes.

 

The hero of His Perfect Bride is a wealthy and very intelligent engineer who designs roads and bridges in colony of British Columbia. He’s experienced a tragedy that has turned him into a reclusive, shaggy, grumpy beast. So of course, when the heroine of the story comes along, he’s not too happy about it, and at first they clash. But soon sparks fly, heating up an undeniable attraction.

 

As always, this book is full of my trademark sizzling romance! Here’s what a few early readers are saying about this romance:

 

“All the sweet attraction and chemistry between Sage and Jackson, and their emotional connection that even surpassed their physical one. The signature Hedlund spice that is oh so good but still stays clean!”

 

“This book has all of the fantastic sizzling chemistry we’ve come to know, love, and expect from Jody while also keeping things clean. I genuinely don’t know of any other author who harmonizes these two aspects so well.”

 

“There was so much pining, and so many great kissing scenes! I also just loved how well these two complemented each other. They built each other up, and they were better together.”

 

To find out more about His Perfect Bride visit my website at: https://jodyhedlund.com/books/his-perfect-bride/

 

 

 

New Book Release: November 2024 12 Nov 2024 11:00 AM (6 months ago)

 

Wishing for the Rancher’s Love, Book 5 in the High Country Ranch series, releases today!

 

For those who’ve been waiting for Clementine and Grady’s story, the wait is finally over! With all of her siblings having gotten married to their special someone, the beautiful and feisty Clementine feels as though she’s been left behind in love. She’s more than eager and ready for a match of her own . . . what she doesn’t anticipate is that someone anonymous is eager and ready to have a match with her.

 

As the notes and gifts begin to get creepier, Clementine realizes that she’s being stalked and is in danger. She has to turn to an unlikely person for help, her childhood-friend-turned-enemy, Grady Worth. Although Grady has deep wounds that have caused him to push Clementine away, he steps up to help her when she most needs it, and in the process they both realize that maybe they’re not enemies after all.

 

I do hope you’ll enjoy this last installment in the High Country Ranch series! It’s been so fun to write about the Oakley family and all of their adventures into love. If you haven’t yet started the series, what are you waiting for?!

 

To find out more about Wishing for the Rancher’s Love visit my website at: https://jodyhedlund.com/books/wishing-for-the-ranchers-love/

 

 

New Book Release: October 2024 22 Oct 2024 10:00 AM (6 months ago)

 

The series continues!

 

Wrangling the Wandering Rancher, another book in the High Country Ranch series, releases today!

 

Set in Colorado in the 1870s, this sweet romance series is about the Oakley family who owns a ranch near Breckenridge. The family, like most, has its share of conflict and problems. But their bonds of love are deep enough to see them through the hard times and draw them closer.

 

Wrangling the Wandering Rancher is fourth installment and, like all the others in the series, can be read as a standalone. However, I do suggest at least reading the third book, A Wife for the Rancher, first. The heroes in both are adopted brothers in the Oakley family, and a large part of the plot revolves around them seeking to understand where they came from.

 

Wrangling the Wandering Rancher also has some fun tropes including friends to more, forced proximity, a shotgun marriage, and abandonment issues. I’ve never had a shotgun marriage in my books before so that scene was especially fun to write!

 

Here’s what a few early readers are saying about this romance:

 

“I absolutely LOVED Tanner’s story! He is such a great guy and his backstory and what type of man it made him touched my heart.”

 

“The romance in this book was full of passion, and I loved how Tanner and Maisy complemented each other. They started off with friendship first, and then their love for each other built on that foundation.”

 

“I picked this story up and did not set it down until the very end. Maisy and Tanner are explosive, and I was here for it!!”

 

To find out more about Wrangling the Wandering Rancher visit my website at: https://jodyhedlund.com/books/wrangling-the-wandering-rancher/

 

 

New Book Release: October 2024 1 Oct 2024 10:00 AM (7 months ago)

 

Happy October and Happy Fall!

 

It’s that time of year to cozy up under a blanket with a cup of hot coffee (or tea!) AND A NEW BOOK!

 

I’m happy to say that I can help you out with the new book because today is the release of A Wife for the Rancher! If you love marriage of convenience stories, then don’t miss this one! A wealthy heiress answers a mail-order-bride advertisement and runs away from her controlling stepmother. When she arrives in Colorado, she doesn’t expect to fall in love with her new husband and her new child, but she can’t resist the handsome rancher and his baby.

 

While this book is sweet (closed bedroom door), it also has lots of romantic tension and heated chemistry. From time to time, I hear from readers who don’t like the focus on the physical attraction. But the large majority of my readers are looking for a clean alternative that still has a realistic and passionate romance but delivers it without the explicit content that fills so many other current books.

 

Here’s what a few early readers are saying about this romance:

 

“The kisses are smoldering while remaining clean, and the story just draws you in.”

 

“This book was great! I enjoyed the action, relational tension, and steamy (but clean) kisses. SQUEAL!!”

 

“The plot twists keep the story moving, and as Ryder and Genevieve fight their attraction, there’s plenty of swooniness (is that even a word?). I stayed up quite late to finish this book.”

 

To find out more about A Wife for the Rancher visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/a-wife-for-the-rancher/

 

 

 

New Book Release: August 2024 6 Aug 2024 10:00 AM (9 months ago)

 

Today’s a book release day!

 

The second book in my Shanahan Match, Saved by the Matchmaker, is hitting shelves!

 

In this newest installment, the matchmaker returns with his wily shenanigans in setting up a marriage of convenience for Enya Shanahan, who finds herself in a bit of a predicament after a failed marriage. The perfect match is with Sullivan O’Brien, a steamboat captain, with a tender heart and willingness to help Enya. However, both Enya and Sullivan bear deep scars from their pasts that make them resistant to turning their marriage of convenience into a marriage of love.

 

As with all my books, this second book can be read as a standalone (without having read the first book). And as with all my books, this contains a slow-burn romance with a heavy focus on the developing relationship. The story is clean and wholesome and inspirational but also has a plenty of romantic chemistry and lots of sizzle.

 

Here’s what a few early readers are saying about this romance:

 

“New Orleans steamboat captain Sullivan O'Brien is quite possibly my favorite male main character of the year!”

 

“What I absolutely adored about this novel was the way Sullivan showed Enya that he cared about her over and over and over again . . . This is a story that I simply couldn’t set down. I ended up reading the whole book in a day!”

 

“Richly sketched settings and beautifully crafted characters along with the tender romance kept me immersed in this story from beginning to end.”

 

To find out more about Saved by the Matchmaker visit my website at: https://jodyhedlund.com/books/saved-by-the-matchmaker/

 

 

New Book Release: June 2024 25 Jun 2024 10:00 AM (10 months ago)

 

 

It’s time for another BOOK BIRTHDAY!!

 

Today is the release of Willing to Wed the Rancher, Book 2 in my High Country Ranch Series. This book continues the adventures of the Oakley siblings with sweet Clarabelle getting her love story. It contains some fun tropes: an aristocratic gentleman, love-at-first-sight, love triangle, some mystery, fish out of water, and estranged family.

 

As with all of my Western Historical Romances, this is a sweet, closed-door romance without any explicit content or spice. But it’s also a sizzling romance which means it has lots of romantic tension, great kissing scenes, and an intense focus on the physical attraction.

 

Here’s what a few early readers are saying about this romance:

 

“This was such a good book! I loved Clarabelle and Franz’s chemistry and how well their personalities suited each other. The chemistry was nicely written without being “spice” or smut.”

 

“It is great historical romance where the focus is on romance—steamy but clean . . . A bit of danger and mystery added to the mix adds excitement and suspense to the sweet romance and family dynamics.”

 

“Oh my word! I’m pretty sure I loved this second book more than the first. Jody Hedlund has done it again! The perfect ‘cowboy’ romance to sweep you off your feet.”

 

To find out more about Willing to Wed the Rancher visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/willing-to-wed-the-rancher/

 

 

New Book Release: June 2024 4 Jun 2024 10:00 AM (11 months ago)

 

Happy Summer! And Happy Book Release Day!

 

I’m pleased to announce that another Western Historical Romance series is releasing! This series is called High Country Ranch Series and is a spin-off of my Colorado Cowgirl series (with an introduction to the Oakley family in Claiming the Cowgirl).

 

This new ranch series still takes place in Colorado, but I’ve moved locations to the Breckenridge area (which is north of Fairplay). With a new ranch and a new family, saddle up and get ready for fun new adventures with the Oakley family! Each of the remaining five siblings will get a book in this new series.

 

Today is the release of Book 1, Waiting for the Rancher. In this story, Maverick Oakley gets to go on his journey to find true love. It was a fun romance to write involving lots of favorite tropes including: charming flirt, best friend’s sister, friends to more, secret crush, emotional scars, unexpected injury, and more.

 

This book is similar to the Colorado Cowgirl Series. It’s a sweet, closed-door romance without any explicit content or spice. But it’s also a sizzling romance which means it has lots of romantic tension, great kissing scenes, and an intense focus on the physical attraction.

 

In this series, the spiritual themes are lighter than some of my other traditionally published books. You can rest assured that the stories are still wholesome without swearing or questionable content, and the messages are still uplifting and inspiring.

 

Here’s what a few early readers are saying about this romance:

 

“The start of a new series was a home run! This newest series by the wonderful Jody Hedlund is off to an amazing start . . . with sizzling chemistry (and I mean off the charts, swoony and happy squealing chemistry).”

 

“Not only does romance abound, but also tragedy and healing. Prepare to be whisked away into Hedlund’s captivating tale – you will not be able to put this book down!!”

 

“Talented Author Jody Hedlund has done it again. She has written a sweet historical romance with a swoony cowboy.”

 

To find out more about Waiting for the Rancher visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/waiting-for-the-rancher/

 

 

New Book Release: April 2024 23 Apr 2024 12:18 PM (last year)

Another book, His Treasured Bride, is hitting shelves! It's the second book in the Bride Ships: New Voyages series, highlighting the brides who left everything behind in England to sail halfway around the world to marry men in the Pacific Northwest.

 

If you missed the first book, Finally His Bride, go grab it! You’ll enjoy His Treasured Bride much more if you have the background of all the events leading up to it. Regardless, you can read this new release as a standalone.

 

With this particular story, I’m REALLY excited to present to you Patti Stockdale. When Patti auditioned to write a story with me in my popular Bride Ship series, I just loved her fresh new voice, her rich historical details, and her ability to spin words. After months of working together, we’ve crafted a story that I know you’ll enjoy!

 

Here’s what early readers are already saying about His Treasured Bride:

 

“A fast-paced plot, beautifully crafted characters, a picturesque setting, and sweet romance combine in this story to make an enjoyable, satisfying read.”

 

“The story is a page-turner, has some humorous parts, and then times of despair, and unexpected outcomes. It's a great read which will inspire and warm your heart.”

 

“I loved everything about this story. It certainly is Love Comes Softly meets Indiana Jones! What a fun adventure this was and such a beautiful heart-connecting romance. Jody Hedlund’s influence is present but it also has a fresh, fun voice to it.”

 

To find out more about His Treasured Bride visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/his-treasured-bride/

 

 

New Book Release: February 2024 13 Feb 2024 11:00 AM (last year)

 

Today is a BIG day! It’s another book release day. But not just any book release. It’s the release of Finally His Bride, the first book in Bride Ships: New Voyages which is a spin-off series of my previous fan-favorite Bride Ships series.

 

Similar to the first series, the new books involve brides sailing from England to Vancouver Island for the purpose of finding employment and husbands. Why did these women leave their homes for an unknown land? Why not just marry men in England?

 

Part of that had to do with the fact that by the early 1860s, there were 600,000 more women than men living in England. The opposite problem existed in English colonies where men outnumbered women. An 1861 census of Vancouver Island and British Columbia revealed that females comprised only 11 percent of the total population, which meant that men outnumbered women approximately 10 to 1. Thus to many, it seemed only reasonable to begin sending England’s surplus of marriageable women to the colonies to provide wives for the many men who wanted them.

If you haven’t read the previous books in my series (A Reluctant Bride, The Runaway Bride, A Bride of Convenience, and Almost a Bride), I invite you to read those as well. However, your enjoyment of this new series, Bride Ships: New Voyages, doesn’t in any way hinge upon the previous books. Rest assured, this new series involves a brand-new cast of characters and explores their reasons for joining the bride ships.

 

As always, this book is full of my trademark sizzling romance! Here’s what a few early readers are saying about this romance:

 

“As is characteristic for Jody Hedlund, she once again pens a fantastic romance novel full of clean but sizzling passion without sacrificing great character development and interesting history.”

 

“Long-awaited, much anticipated… this book was everything I hoped it would be and more. It was everything I loved about the original series- interesting characters, lovely chemistry, and so much more- with brand new faces and stories waiting to be told.”

 

“The romantic scenes in this book were so good, especially since the tension had been building for such a long time.”

 

To find out more about Finally His Bride visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/finally-his-bride/

 

 

New Book Release: December 2023 12 Dec 2023 11:00 AM (last year)

 

Happy Holidays! And Happy Book Release Day!

 

Today Calling on the Matchmaker hits shelves! This is the first book of my new Matchmaker series!

 

There will be four books in this saga involving the Shanahan family in the frontier city of St. Louis, Missouri in late 1840s. The Shanahans are a loving family with six children. The oldest are reaching marriageable age, so the local matchmaker is called upon to help form advantageous matches. Even though the Irish matchmaker is wily, he still faces challenges as he seeks to pair each of the Shanahan siblings with their true loves.

 

While this series is set in a different time and place than my recent western series, rest assured the new books are still full of the toe-curling romance that readers have come to expect from my stories. You will not be disappointed!

 

Here’s what a few early readers are saying about this romance:

 

“SOOO CRAZY GOOD!!! Absolutely loved this book - one of my new favorites from this author!”

 

“Love, love, loved this book! This book is on my top 5 list of 2023 reads.”

 

“Wow. What a whirlwind. I can’t say enough how much I loved Finola and Riley’s story.”

 

“I love Jody Hedlund's books, and this one did not disappoint! It was totally bingeable!!”

 

To find out more about Calling on the Matchmaker visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/calling-on-the-matchmaker/

 

 

 

New Book Release: September 2023 26 Sep 2023 10:00 AM (last year)

 

Another book, CHRISTMAS BELLS AND WEDDING VOWS, hits shelves today! Yes, that makes two book releases this September—for those who are counting!

 

This book is truly very special! It’s a Christmas book just in time to get you into the Christmas spirit! Because let’s be honest, Christmas seems to come sooner and sooner every year. (The stores around me put out Christmas stuff in August now!)

 

Whatever your preference for when you like to get into the Christmas spirit, make sure to check out CHRISTMAS BELLS AND WEDDING VOWS!

 

Another reason this book is special is because it has not just one Christmas story but THREE! I had the privilege of collaborating with two other wonderful historical romance authors—Misty Beller and Lacy Williams. They both write sweet, closed-bedroom door romances, with uplifting and inspirational values. And I have no doubt you’ll enjoy their stories too!

 

The final reason this book is special is because it involves two characters that make an appearance in my Colorado Cowgirl series. So if you weren’t quite ready for the Cowgirl series to come to an end, then don’t miss this story. You’ll get to go back to Fairplay and spend a little more time there.

 

For those who haven’t read any books in my Colorado Cowgirl series, have no fear! This newest addition, Claiming the Cowgirl (my story inside CHRISTMAS BELLS AND WEDDING VOWS), is a standalone book, one you’ll completely understand and enjoy by itself.

 

If I haven’t convinced you yet on how special the book is, let me tell you one last thing about it. Each of the three stories, have to do with marriages of convenience. So if you love a good marriage of convenience story (and I do!), then you’re in for a treat to get three!

 

To find out more about CHRISTMAS BELLS AND WEDDING VOWS visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/claiming-the-cowgirl-a-sweet-historical-romance-novella/

 

 

New Book Release: September 2023 5 Sep 2023 10:00 AM (last year)

 

It’s time for another book release! Captivated by the Cowgirl is now available!

 

Recently over on Instagram, a reader asked me what book has been my favorite to write. And guess what I answered? Yep, you got it! Captivated by the Cowgirl!

 

The reason this book was so much fun was because I absolutely loved creating the witty banter between the hero and heroine. The hero really lays on the charm. The heroine does her best to resist that charm. And in the middle of it all is lots of bantering with plenty of romantic tension!

 

In addition to the fun dialogue, I also loved writing Captivated by the Cowgirl because it was my first venture into writing about royalty. Yes, one of the tropes in this book is secret royals! The hero is a prince who is trying to hide from an assassin and just happens to choose the remote mountain town up in the middle-of-nowhere in Fairplay, Colorado.

 

I invite you to run out and grab your copy of the book today and get ready for a wild but fun adventure! If you don’t take my word for it, here’s what some of my readers are saying:

 

“This was probably the most playful of the series. Take a cowgirl, add in a charmer, and have them beware of an assassination plot = fast paced and fun read.”

 

“This book was so cute and totally swoony! I absolutely LOVED the incredible banter between Felicity and Philip. Honestly, I could read it again and again. It was so electric.”

 

“The banter that went back in forth had me laughing and blushing at the same time. I love this book. A must read. Jody Hedlund has become my favorite author, hands down!”

 

To find out more about Captivated by the Cowgirl visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/captivated-by-the-cowgirl-a-sweet-historical-romance/

 

 

New Book Release: August 2023 22 Aug 2023 10:00 AM (last year)

 

Are you ready for another sweet but sizzling western romance? Then you’re in luck, because Convincing the Cowgirl is now available!

 

Although it’s the third book in my Colorado Cowgirl Series, I assure you that you won’t feel lost if you read it as a standalone (without having read any others in the series yet). But why not read the other books first!? I guarantee that you’ll love them too!

 

What makes Convincing the Cowgirl so special? It’s a marriage of convenience story, that’s what! If you’ve read any of my other series, you’ll soon learn that I LOVE the marriage of convenience trope and almost always include it in at least one book per series.

 

Marriage of convenience stories are so much fun to write because the storyline puts the hero and heroine together in forced proximity which allows them to develop their relationship and learn more about each other more quickly.

 

Marriages of convenience also cause awkward scenarios which allow for increased romantic tension. For example, in Convincing the Cowgirl, the newlywed couple has to decide their sleeping arrangements. They don’t talk about it at first, and so the heroine naturally expects that her new husband will want to share the marriage bed and crawls in beside him. He, however, is closed off to love and intimacy and assumes they’ll have separate rooms. When he finds her in bed beside him, what will he do? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

 

Marriage of convenience stories also make the reader wonder how the couple will fall in love. Obviously since they’re already married, the question is not necessarily will the hero and heroine end up together, but HOW will they learn to overcome their obstacles and fall in love. The journey (and not the destination) to true love becomes the focus of the story.

 

So, what are you waiting for?! Go enjoy a marriage of convenience story today!

 

To find out more about Convincing the Cowgirl visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/convincing-the-cowgirl-a-sweet-historical-romance/

 

 

 

New Book Release: July 2023 25 Jul 2023 10:00 AM (last year)

Yes, I DO have another book releasing and that really does make TWO new books in one month! Both are a part of my newest historical romance series, the Colorado Cowgirls.

 

Committing to the Cowgirl released just a couple of weeks ago. If you missed it, then go here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/committing-to-the-cowgirl-a-sweet-historical-romance/

 

Now Cherishing the Cowgirl is available! It’s a sweet but sizzling romance full of lots of favorite tropes including: grumpy-sunshine, cranky billionaire, crusty boss, rags-to-riches, fairytale, and class differences.

 

Two books in one month? Is that really possible for an author to do without compromising the quality of the books? (And two more next month? For a total of four books in such a short time?)

 

Let me reassure you as a perfectionist that compromising quality is simply not something I’m willing to do! All the books in the series have been thoroughly edited and sent out to beta readers as well.

 

The reason I’m able to release the books so rapidly is that I waited until ALL the books were written, edited, and ready for publication in one batch (rather than writing and publishing one before starting on the next).

 

Why did I opt for a rapid release strategy? There are many reasons, actually. A primary one is that I have a short window of time from when my final Colorado Cowboy book released in February to when I start a new, not-Western series in December. It made sense to release the Cowgirl books shortly after the Cowboy series since they’re related.

 

The quick release will also give readers the opportunity to read an entire series over the summer without having to wait so long between books. In addition, it will give me a chance to look at marketing trends, rankings, and visibility with books that release closer together.

 

So there you have it! Now, go indulge yourself with a fun romance series full of all the feels!

 

To find out more about Cherishing the Cowgirl visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/cherishing-the-cowgirl-a-sweet-historical-romance/

 

 

New Book Release: July 2023 11 Jul 2023 10:00 AM (last year)

 

Happy Summer! And Happy Book Release Day!

 

For those of you who enjoyed my Colorado Cowboys Series, then grab hold of your hats and saddle up for a brand-new series! Yes, a new series, the Colorado Cowgirls, is coming this summer. All FOUR books are releasing over the next couple of months!

 

 

Today is the release of the first book, Committing to the Cowgirl. It’s a sweet but sizzling romance full of lots of favorite tropes including: pretend courtship, fake engagement, childhood sweethearts, meddling mother, co-workers in proximity, and bargain benefits both.

 

Committing to the Cowgirl involves a minor character from the previous series, Astrid Nilsson, who is returning to Fairplay, Colorado after years away at medical school. Now a doctor, she’s responding to an advertisement to join a medical practice as the second doctor. Little does she realize the physician already there is her childhood sweetheart, Logan Steele, who once broke her heart.

 

If you enjoy sweet, closed-bedroom romances that still contain a bit of sizzle, then you’ll probably like this series. While some of my others series are more serious and involve deeper Christian themes, this series is lighter on the inspirational message and heavier on the romance.

 

Here’s what a few early readers are saying about this romance:

 

“I was super excited for this new series, and it did not disappoint. The romance was sweet, and I read this book so quickly!”

 

“The romance between Logan and Astrid was fiery with a passionate undercurrent. While everything is kept clean, there are definitely some kisses that’ll scorch your kindle.”

 

“I loved their chemistry, and it was entertaining how things spiraled for them from fake courtship to engagement.”

 

To find out more about Committing to the Cowgirl visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/committing-to-the-cowgirl-a-sweet-historical-romance/

 

 

New Book Release: May 2023 9 May 2023 10:00 AM (2 years ago)

 

Today is a BOOK BIRTHDAY! Yay! (Throws confetti!)

 

WAIT FOR ME, another book in my time travel series, hits shelves today! If you’ve read (or watched) the Outlander series, then you’ll probably enjoy this book, especially if you’re looking for a closed-door, sweet romance.

 

Have you ever wanted to travel through time and discover what it was really like to live in another era? I have! But only if I could go back for just a little visit and then return to my comforts of the modern era!

 

But time traveling? Is it really possible?

 

In my Waters of Time series, one of my goals was to make time traveling seem believable. As I researched time traveling, I learned that ancient holy water and comas both caused people to have realistic visions. So I combined the two and used that as my method for the time crossing.

 

Here’s what a couple of readers had to say about it:

 

“The whole concept of holy water as a vehicle for time travel is built strongly and simply and in such detail that it's not only a fascinating concept to think about but completely easy to believe within the world of this series.”

 

“I was once again captured by the thought and wonder of whether or not there really is such a thing as “Holy Water.” Could it really heal someone or give them the power to travel back in time?”

 

If you haven’t read any of the other books in the series, what are you waiting for!? 😁 Either way, though, you can still read WAIT FOR ME as a standalone. While it references a few characters from previous books, the story (and time traveling details) are easy to follow.

 

This book like the rest in the series is slightly heavier on the sizzle (compared with my regular historical romances). The passion and chemistry between the characters is heated, but as I mentioned, it remains closed-door and sweet.

 

Early reviews are rolling in and readers are saying this:

 

“As always, Ms. Hedlund writes romantic chemistry between her hero and heroine that practically sizzled off the page.”

 

“The attraction between Dawson and Philippa is instant and the chemistry is intense, but author Jody Hedlund never crosses the line in this sweetly romantic but totally clean romance.”

 

I hope that you’ll dive into the twisting waters of time in the pages of WAIT FOR ME. To find out more, visit the book page here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/wait-for-me/

 

 

New Book Release: February 2023 14 Feb 2023 11:00 AM (2 years ago)

 

Happy Valentine’s Day! And Happy Book Release Day!

 

I honestly can’t remember ever having a book release on Valentine’s Day before, so that’s kind of exciting! Because, if you’ve read any of my books, you know I’m BIG on romance. I love it, and it oozes from my books!

 

The same is true of my new release, The Last Chance Cowboy. It’s a sweet but sizzling romance full of lots of favorite tropes including: Marriage of Convenience, Mistaken Identity, Unexpected Baby, and more.

 

The Last Chance Cowboy is essentially a redemption story for Dylan, who is the prodigal son turned sheriff. He’s back home after years of wild living and is doing his best to put his past behind him. So, he's in for a surprise when a woman shows up on his doorstep claiming that she has his baby.

 

As a midwife, Catherine, the heroine of The Last Chance Cowboy, is also struggling with a redemption story of her own. Since she’s been accused of a crime that she didn’t commit, she’s on the run from dangerous criminals. When she arrives in Fairplay and the sheriff proposes marriage, she thinks she might have found a solution to all her problems. She soon realizes that problems always have a way of catching up to a person . . .

 

Here’s what a few early readers are saying about this romance:

 

“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.”

 

“This book is full of love and forgiveness, plenty of flirtatiousness and heart pounding kisses. Dylan is such a sweet talker, I can’t blame any woman for falling for him! This book pulls on all the heartstrings.”

 

“I love marriage of convenience stories, especially when Jody Hedlund writes them. You can be guaranteed clean heat, passion in spades, and lots of charm and wooing. Dylan’s ‘darlin’ had my heart melting.”

 

To find out more about The Last Chance Cowboy visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/the-last-chance-cowboy/

 

 

New Book Release: December 2022 6 Dec 2022 11:00 AM (2 years ago)

 

Merry Christmas! And merry book release!

 

STAY WITH ME, the long-anticipated sequel in my Waters of Time series, hits shelves today!

 

The previous two books, Come Back to Me and Never Leave Me, are a pair and involve the Creighton family with sisters, Marian and Ellen, each getting a book.

 

This newest book, STAY WITH ME takes readers on a new adventure with a new family, the Huxhams. Siblings Sybil and Dawson each get an adventure in the Middle Ages. STAY WITH ME is Sybils story. And Dawson’s journey, Wait For Me, releases in May of 2023.

 

Essentially STAY WITH ME is a standalone with references to previous characters from earlier books, but none are integral to understanding the plot. So if you pick up this book without having read the previous ones, you’ll be fine.

 

Similar to the other books in the Waters of Time series, STAY WITH ME takes place in both the present and the past with the element of time-crossing a prominent feature. Ancient holy water combined with a coma is still the vehicle for time traveling. And, of course, going into the past remains very dangerous, including the possibility of never recovering from the coma.

 

This book like the rest in the series is slightly heavier on the sizzle (compared with my regular historical romances). The passion and chemistry between the characters is heated, but it all remains clean.

 

Early reviews are rolling in and readers are saying this:

 

“With a spell-binding plot and a romance that sizzles off the page, readers will gladly get lost within Sybil and Nicholas' story. I absolutely loved the hero! Definitely one of my top book heroes.”

 

“Wow! I am so glad Jody Hedlund continued the Waters of Time series! Sybil & Nicholas were such intriguing characters from the previous books and were just begging for their stories to be told. This book does not disappoint! I admit I stayed up past 1:30 am reading because it was so hard to put down.”

 

“I was hooked from the very first page and couldn’t put it down. It captivated me with its suspenseful and intriguing storyline, intelligent writing, great characters, nonstop action, and clean but intense romance. As soon as I finished, I was ready to re-read it again.”

 

I hope that you’ll dive into the twisting waters of time in the pages of STAY WITH ME. To find out more, visit the book page here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/stay-with-me/

 

New Book Release: October 2022 11 Oct 2022 10:00 AM (2 years ago)

 

Another sweet but sizzling cowboy romance hits shelves this month! Falling for the Cowgirl is now available!

This is a standalone novel in the McQuaid family saga, which means you don’t have to read the other books in the series for this one to make sense. But I have a hunch you’ll love all of the McQuaid stories, so do yourself a favor and start with Book #1, A Cowboy for Keeps.

 

Falling for the Cowgirl is the story of Ivy, the only girl in the McQuaid clan. As a result of being the lone female, she’s quite the tomboy. In fact, at the start of the story, she’s participating in cowhand competitions (the old-fashioned way of saying rodeo), but since women aren’t allowed to be involved, she’s disguised herself as a young man.

 

Well of course, the dashing hero, Jericho shows up at a competition and recognizes her behind her disguise! And boy-howdy, does he have a lot to say to Ivy and her involvement in the dangerous stunts. Sparks start flying right away and never stop!

 

Here’s what a few early readers are saying about this romance:

 

“The fast-paced, action-packed plot along with compelling, memorable characters lasso your attention and keep you reading! Sizzling, but clean, romance with lots of tension and awkward moments is delightfully entertaining.”

 

“The story was fantastic, the romance was swoony, (the second-chance romance element was so sweet!) There's hidden identities, a bit of mystery, suspense, family, ahhh I loved it all!”

 

“This story is sweet romance and delightful angst and explosive chemistry and conflict all through, and the ending took me by surprise. Whether or not you've read the other books in this series, you can dive into Ivy's story and not feel behind; the author is great at setting the stage and keeping each book in the series complete in itself.”

 

“Picked this up to read the first few chapters before bed time....and ended up staying up way past my bedtime and read until I reached the conclusion because I could not put it down. Jody has done it again! *chef's kiss* “

 

To find out more about Falling for the Cowgirl visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/falling-for-the-cowgirl/

 

New Book Release: September 2022 13 Sep 2022 2:48 PM (2 years ago)

 

ENTRUSTED is now available! This is book six and the grand finale of the Knights of Brethren series!

 

I have to say, when I opened up a blank document to begin writing this last story, I honestly didn’t know how I was going to wrap up this series and bring all the loose ends together.

 

Of course, I knew I needed to tell Kristoffer’s story and continue the quest for the holy lamp (the relic that I introduced in book five). I also knew I needed to have the final epic battle with King Canute (from the neighboring country). But beyond that, I wasn’t sure how I’d be able to bring everything to a satisfying ending.

 

To make matters more complicated, not only had I developed an external threat to the Knights of Brethren (King Canute and his army of Dark Warriors), but I’d also thrown in an internal threat (possible betrayal from within the tight-knit group of knights).

 

With so much to resolve, you can only imagine my trepidation. But as always, I plunged forward with telling Kristoffer and Birgitta’s love story. And somehow along the way, they took over the storytelling, led me on a dangerous and delectable journey, and came up with an ending that defied anything I could have imagined—oh, wait, I did imagine it!

 

It's true that sometimes I forget the characters aren’t real people. They come to life so vividly, I just let them dictate the story so that by the time I write the climax, they’re fully in charge and somehow happen to create an ending that satisfies me.

 

I’m happy to report readers are satisfied with the series conclusion too! Here’s what they’re saying:

 

“What an amazing conclusion to this wonderful and entertaining series! I was completely captivated from the opening scene until the last page. I recently read Enflamed and loved it, but I think Entrusted is even better.”

 

“This book was just a wonderful conclusion to an amazing series. I have so loved this series and I am so sad to see it end.”

 

“This is the last book in the Knights of Brethren series and, OH. MY. GOODNESS, it is a story that will captivate you and hold you spellbound until the very end!”

 

“An absolutely perfect ending to an epic and romantic series, this book was SO good! Oh my gosh, I was completely enraptured reading it. I didn't even notice the passing of time because the story just pulled me in, and I didn't come up until I had finished it in one sitting. I LOVED this story!”

 

To learn more about ENTRUSTED head over to my website page here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/entrusted/

 

 

New Book Release: August 2022 16 Aug 2022 10:00 AM (2 years ago)

ENFLAMED is now available! This is the fifth sweet but sizzling romance in the Knights of Brethren series!

 

When I was writing this book, I didn’t realize that I included FOUR main tropes! But somehow the book ended up with these:

 

Friends to Lovers. Sir Espen has always kept Lady Sylvi at arm’s length all throughout their growing up years. Although he’s secretly held feelings for her, he’s never crossed the line in thinking that there could be something more between them.

 

Best Friend’s Sister. Not only is Espen friends with Lady Sylvi, but he’s best friends with her brother, Kristoffer. Kris would never approve of him looking at Sylvi in anything but a sisterly fashion. He most certainly wouldn’t approve of him falling in love with her.

 

Forbidden Love. As if the other obstacles aren’t enough, Espen and Sylvi are from different social classes. He’s the son of a poor fisherman, and she’s the daughter of a wealthy and prestigious noble family. She’s expected to form an advantageous marriage.

 

Marriage of Convenience. Espen agrees to help Sylvi escape the terrible matches her father has arranged for her. Of course, Espen can never say no to Sylvi, so when she proposes that they get married to thwart her father’s schemes, he reluctantly goes along with her plans for a marriage of convenience.

 

Join in reading this new love story and be swept away in the fast-paced adventure that involves a quest for an ancient holy lamp, a cliff-top lighthouse, and an imminent war with the neighboring king and his army of deadly Dark Warriors.

 

Early reviews are pouring in, and readers are loving Espen and Sylvi’s story:

 

“Enflamed has everything I've come to expect from this series - action, adventure, swoony knights, a steadfast leading lady, daring rescues, plot twists I didn't see coming, romance......ah the romance. Espen and Sylvi were the cutest, y'all.”

 

“I know I say this with each new YA book of Ms Hedlund, but this is my favorite! A sweet, slow burning friends-to-lovers romance in the midst of life-saving adventure.”

 

“LOVED this story, it was one of those you just couldn't put down until finished. Of all the knights of brethren, Espen has got to be my favorite for his humble start, and easy-going nature.”

 

To learn more about ENFLAMED head over to my website page here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/enflamed/

 

 

 

New Book Release: July 2022 12 Jul 2022 10:00 AM (2 years ago)

Do you like stories with an arranged marriage trope? Then you’ll love ENRICHED, the next sweet but sizzling romance in the Knights of Brethren series!

 

The long-awaited happily-ever-after for Torvald is finally here! As a close friend of the king, Torvald is on a mission to find the sacred chalice (aka holy grail) in an effort to help save the queen who is dying of a deadly disease.

 

In the midst of his mission, the strong, brooding knight is called home by his father to save his family estate by marrying a wealthy noblewoman. Vowing never to love a maiden, he steels himself against any feelings for his new wife. However, as strong as Torvald is, he can’t withstand Karina’s kindness and beauty.

 

Join in reading this new love story and be swept away in the fast-paced adventure that involves a dark forest, a dangerous troll-like creature, and a chalice rumored to bring about healing.

 

Early reviews are pouring in and readers are loving Torvald and Karina’s story:

 

“I LOVED this book! This series is so amazing! Each book blends believable fantasy with clean, heartfelt romance, mystery and plenty of action. This is definitely my favorite book so far! I love grumpy/sunshine and marriage of convenience tropes and this book combines the two brilliantly.”

 

“Y'ALL. Jody Hedlund has once again knocked it out of the park with Enriched, the next installment in her Knights of Brethren series. It is so good. So so so good.”

 

“Of all the incredible heroes and heroines featured so far in this delightful series, I think Torvald and Karina have to be the sweetest.”

 

To learn more about ENRICHED head over to my website page here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/enriched/

 

 

COVER REVEAL! 1 Jul 2022 10:00 AM (2 years ago)

 

 

After the overwhelming enthusiasm for more books in my time-crossing series, Waters of Time, I’m excited to announce TWO more books are slated for release!!

 

Book 3, STAY WITH ME, releases Dec. 6, 2022, and Book 4, WAIT FOR ME, releases May 9, 2023.

 

STAY WITH ME continues the adventures with the miraculous holy water and gives Sybil Huxham and Nicholas Worth their happily-ever-after!

 

I’m thrilled to pieces with the way the cover turned out! I love the balance of modern and medieval, the movement of the hair (representing the motion of time), the bokah dots (representing water drops), and the green tones (representing the color of water).

 

And without further ado, here is the lovely cover (courtesy of Roseanna White Designs). 

 

 

Here's a little more about the book:

 

As a private investigator, Sybil Huxham has seen her fair share of bizarre occurrences. But nothing in her career has been more perplexing than the miracles she’s witnessed as a result of people drinking ancient holy water. When she discovers more of the rare holy water, she experiences strange overlaps with a nobleman in the Middle Ages who is languishing in a dungeon, accused of treason and condemned to die. To save his life, she finally crosses to the past completely.

 

Nicholas Worth has never met a woman quite like Sybil, and as the two run for their lives into the Weald, they find refuge among a community of outlaws. With both of their reputations on the line, they have little choice but to marry. As they get to know each other, an undeniable attraction develops. But danger and disease chase after them, drawing ever closer. Will they be able to escape the threats? And will Sybil choose to stay with Nicholas in the past, or will she be ripped apart from him forever?

 

The book is available for pre-order here: Amazon (And have no fear, it will be in both ebook and paperback!)

 

To find out more, visit my website here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/stay-with-me/