The Last Cahill Cowboy

Trail Blazers #8

by Jenna Kernan

Bounty hunter Chance Cahill blows into town like tumbleweed, a rootless drifter with danger written all over him. For this man doesn't care whether he lives or dies. It's what makes him so fearless—and so deadly. Ellie Jenkins, plain as brown paper, is determined to marry for love. It's only when she comes face-to-face with childhood friend Chance that she realizes what she's been waiting for. But then Ellie sees the empty look behind his eyes, and she knows that to win this cowboy's heart will take a risk so big it may destroy them both.…

Genres: Westerns, Romance, Historical Romance, Harlequin, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 24, 2012

About the author

Thank you for finding me on GoodReads.

Find my social media links here: https://linktr.ee/jennakernan

Here's a bit more about me...

Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Jenna Kernan has written over forty novels, most recently penning domestic thrillers. Her debut thriller, A Killer's Daughter, won the bronze medal in popular fiction from the Florida Book Awards in 2021. Jenna’s 2022 domestic thriller, The Ex-Wives, won the gold medal in the same category. The Nurse, was released in 2023, The Patient's Daughter released in 2024, and The Fake Mother in 2025. Her thrillers are intense, unsettling, and gripping with unexpected twists and turns.
Jenna began her writing journey penning historical romance, paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Find them here: https://www.jennakernan.com/books-1
A member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Florida Mystery Writers and Novelists, Inc. and a natural redhead living with her husband on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Jenna has recently increased her sunblock to SPF 50.

Jenna offers a FREE BOOK as a welcome gift to new VIP Readers. Subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/jennakernan/grippi...

Visit Jenna at www.jennakernan.com

Follow Jenna here ...
BookBub: jenna-kernan
Twitter: @jennakernan
Instagram: jenna-kernan
Facebook: AuthorJennaKernan or join her newsletter at www.jennakernan.com

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a very hard time putting this book down. I can't wait to read more!

[Delacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining story. I did find the past parts of the mystery a little confusing, since there were so many different players involved, and I hadn't read the previous books. One part I struggled with this book was how none of his family seemed willing to listen to Chance. Yah its his story arc, but you would think that the years he was away there would be some character growth from his siblings. Enjoyable overall.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the series! This 4th book completed the Cahill Cowboys storyline and am so glad I came across these.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this from a FirstReads giveaway, not knowing that this was the final book in a series. From the premise, I thought it would be a cute read, but I worried about how much I'd understand since I hadn't read the first three books. Thankfully, I wasn't lost at all and I had no troubles following along with the plotline. There was enough backstory weaved throughout the book that I was able to slip into the lives of the Cahill siblings with ease. While I haven't read the others, I thought the idea of this series was pretty neat. Each book starts off with the same prologue where the siblings are gathered after their parents funeral. A fight ensues, tensions arises and the members of this shattered family go their seperate ways. I'm assuming that each book has a sibling having their own love story and eventually the stories converge with them coming together to find out who murdered their parents. I'm not sure how I feel about Bowie or Quin, maybe I'd like to see how Bowie and Meritt got together a bit, but I'm a little upset that I didn't get to read their individual stories first. Since this book is the last one, it focused on Chance and all the others had already settled down and met their husbands or wives. I was particularly interested in Leanna's story. There seemed to be so much zany things happening that I wished I knew what happened there.

I really loved Chance so much and I felt he made the story for me. Oh my god, he was just really charming! Whenever Chance said something flirtatious towards Ellie, I found myself swooning as well. He's a funny, sweet guy, but there's more to him than that. Chance may come off as a tough, badass shooter without a care in the world. However, the truth is, it's all a mask. To be blunt, Chance is kinda depressed and suicidal. I don't mean this in the sense that he's wandering around wallowing in his pain and hurting himself, but it's clear that he's a bit tormented. Chance blames himself for his parent's deaths and can't help beating himself up for not being there when they needed him. At one point early point in the book, it's mentioned that Chance doesn't care whether he lives or dies. During his bounty hunter jobs, Chance purposely takes an extra few seconds to pull out his pistol, so that maybe someday someone will put him out of his misery. Reading that was just heartbreaking and I found myself wanting to jump in the book and tell him everything's going to be ok.

Ellie was perfect for Chance. She's had a crush on him ever since they were kids and somehow along the way those feelings have turned to something more. I was rooting for the two of them from the beginning. They were just so cute and I liked how Chance was always teasing her. I wanted them to get together so badly, but there seemed to be all this crap keeping them apart. I loved Ellie's dad Oscar because I thought he cared about what Ellie wanted, but her mother was a nightmare. She spoke so cruelly of Ellie and it killed me how against she was of Ellie even being in the same room with Chance. Like many women of the time, when it came to marriage her mother placed societal worth above love. Added to those problems was Chance not believing he was any good for Ellie. He loved her, but he didn't think he would be able to give her what she needed. I wanted to smack him for being so difficult. I understood why he felt like he did, but I think that if he cared so much for her, he would have been willing to try to make it work. I mean, Ellie's dad practically told Chance that Chance had the ok to marry Ellie if he wanted. I was just so torn because I get why he felt it necessary to act the way he did, but every time he pushed Ellie away or said something hurtful, I cringed myself. I was really happy that no matter what Ellie seemed determined to have a life with Chance. He needed someone like her in his life. I liked how Ellie was the one person who could see through Chance's mask and didn't hesitate called him out on his crap.

Overall, I really loved this. I was a bit confused by the whole parent's murder, but not because things weren't explained well. My issue was more because of how things from the previous books were sort of cliffnoted through the characters conversations and at times it was a lot to take in during one sitting. By the end, I was pretty sure I understood what was happening and all the pieces fell into place. I will say, I was fairly impressed by how everything was wrapped up. I didn't expect so many people to be involved in the conspiracy as there were and I was outright shocked when a certain person came to light. The ending felt well done though the pervert in me was a bit sad that there wasn't more happening between Ellie and Chance. There was one really steamy scene. There was so much build-up and then it was like blerghhh...nothing happened. That aside, I loved the romance and I think I might read the other sibling's stories if I can find a copy.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of you, my fabulous readers, know that I have a weak spot for romance novels. I know they’re not written amazingly nor do they have the most creative plot lines, but damn – they hook me in. I love those roguish rakes and loose ladies. I can’t help it. I’m addicted. With that being said I ventured into the “western” branch of Harlequin romances and came out with The Last Cahill Cowboy by Jenna Kernan.

Traveling back to his hometown to help find the person who brutally murdered his parents, Chance Cahill is a much different person than when he originally left. Now a bounty hunter, Chance feels that he has nothing to lose, and lives life on the edge. Thinking that his hunting skills are his only asset to the town, he is taken aback when he meets his sister’s best friend Ellie Jenkins. Her beauty astounds him, and he is ashamed to admit to himself that she is quite above his standards. Ellie, however, feels a strong attraction to Chance that she just can’t seem to shake. His sudden return to town makes her realize that she has loved him her entire life. The only problem is Ellie’s mother: a dominant woman who Ellie is pseudo-controlled by. Will Ellie be able to move past her mother’s commandeering nature and tell Chance how she really feels about him? Will Chance be able to see past his depression and take the woman who so ardently loves him?

First thing that struck me about this book? The amount of action in this book. No, not *that* kind of action – I’m talking the action with guns and duels and pistols! Knowing that romance novels are written and geared towards a female audience, I was surprised that there was so much “manly” violence. I actually found myself getting into all the fight sequences: cheering on Chance and jeering at the bad guys. I was temped to let my husband read the book when I was finished, knowing he has an affinity for westerns, but figured he’d die when he found out he was reading a Harlequin romance novel.

Anyway….moving on! Chance was a pretty interesting character. He’s got a grudge against the world and doesn’t look upon himself too kindly. This is unfortunate for multiple reasons: he’s given his sister every dime he’s got to support her and her business, he puts his life at risk to save Ellie, and he’s a bounty hunter! (I say that in this case being a bounty hunter is good because it involves going after bad guys! Who doesn’t love a man who goes after the bad guy!?!) Ellie is a woman who evolves a lot over the book. I was really happy with her development, it seemed realistic and made sense for her storyline. As for the supporting characters, their descriptions were all written like you knew them already. I found out after reading the book that this was the 4th and final book in the “Cahill Cowboys” quartet. If you haven’t read the first three though it’s 100% OK. The plot for this book can stand alone.

As for taking on my first western romance novel I have to say I left feeling impressed. The writing isn’t the best I’ve read, but it did the job it was supposed to. If you’re looking for a quick, fast-paced read I would definitely add this one to your list. (Warning: besides all the action there are the more mature romance scenes not meant for the faint of heart.)

Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-Qd

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great conclusion to the series. Chance is the last of the siblings to come back to help find their parents' murderer. When he left, his best skill was his shooting, so he became a bounty hunter. He felt that his parents' deaths were his fault, and saw no hope for a good life for himself. When he returned, one of the first people he saw was Ellie, his sister's best friend. He was stunned by the changes he saw, and the attraction he felt. He also knew that she was far too good for him. Ellie was glad that Chance had returned, but worried about the changes she saw in him. She could see that he didn't care about his own life. She also realized that she had been in love with him for most of her life. She had been sheltered for all her life, and her domineering mother couldn't see Ellie's true nature. I really enjoyed seeing Ellie as she began to find her backbone and go after what she wanted. I liked seeing the interaction among Chance and his siblings, and his confusion over their new relationships. The final scenes of the book were great, with the bad guy finally getting what was coming to him. And I loved the epilogue, with Bowie and Merritt's wedding!

[Teri-K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another mixed quality book from this author. I really enjoyed the first half of this story - the MC's were realistic and interesting, the plot had some originality and the story moved well. (It didn't matter that I hadn't read the earlier books.) Then the author forced her MCs to have sex - and yes, it felt very forced - there's no way Ellie would do what she did, so her personality had to change suddenly, then revert back after those scenes were over. That entire section of the book felt really forced, in fact, as Chance was shocked that Ellie was a virgin, when it should have been obvious. Once that awkward section was over the story was good again and moved along well.

I'd really like to see Kernan write some non-romance historicals, as the "romantic" parts of her books are always weak, but otherwise she writes a good Western. 2.5 stars, more if I reread it and skip the a few chapters in the second half.

[Irene Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I adored Chase the bad boy bounty hunter mmmm. I thought Ellie could have done with a bit more backbone ,especially towards her mother, but I liked them together. They had known each other before his family split up after their parents death and got together when Chance came home to help his siblings find out who killed their parents.
The resolving book in the series there was more than enough background so you could follow it easily if you had not read all the series like me. I was kept involved all the way through as the action kept going and more of the story was revealed and I loved the ending.
Plenty of action and some lovely scenes with Chase and Ellie and Chance finally coming into his own , a great read !

[Yessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was ok and is the last book to delve into the muders of the mother and father of the Cahill family. The plot moves along with various of the past heroes and heroines playing a part and also havin some page time. In all this the plot. reason , and culprits are found finally giving the Cahill family peace and also bringing the siblings past fallout to a resolution. While I enjoyed getting to know chase I didn't connect with him or his heroine, they were so-so and din't really do anything for me. They weren't interesting or leap of the pages. The Lone Rancher is still my favorite novel in the series, now if you want off the wall fire, read about Cahill and Boston!!1

[Mombo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light read with a light romantic story that just keeps up with the resolution to the Cahill family murder mystery. Ellie was such a doormat and Chance was a total drifter so it was good to see them settle down and that's about all they have going for them. The action at the end was great but we should have seen more of it throughout the story because Chance could have had more opportunities to shine instead of his brothers. Leanna also had more to do in this story than Eliie so it felt odd to have the hero and heroine take the back seat in their story.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hero's a bounty hunter who's been at odds with his brothers since their parents died, and looking after his sister. He heads back home when the sister left a note that their parents' death wasn't an accident. Heroine shows up a little late in the story--she's the sister's former best friend. It's a ... it's a Western, and a romance, with lots of shooting and Deadwood-type violence and betrayal, and it's still a romance. There's a lot of backstory, but it's handled pretty well. I enjoyed it.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is the last book in the series. This was my favorite. Loved the story. Loved how Chance treated Ellie. And how the whole story finally unfolded. I've also read stuff by this author before and enjoyed her writing. In fact it was this book and author that led me to the whole series. You'll need to read all five to get the full story. I actually gave this one five stars while the others got four stars.

[Jenny T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a free book from the Goodreads First Reads giveaways.
This was a light historical romance read set in Texas in the late 1880's. Chance Cahill is a bounty hunter returning home after hearing that his parent's accidental death was actually a murder. Although I didn't read the prior books describing Chance's older 3 siblings, there was enough history given to jump into this book & plot.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book thru the First Reads giveaway and it was a signed copy by Jenna Kernan.
I had not read the previous books on the Cahill's, so it was good that this book caught the reader up on the goings of all the siblings and what they were currently doing and how it brought them all together as a family again. Good read by the pool!

[Anna scrima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always good reading.

Jenna Kerman is a very talented author. I spend a good many hours reading and her books give. me so much pleasure in the characters and story line. I look forward to the next book by this story teller.

[Harlequin Historical]

Miniseries: Cahill Cowboys

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Cahill Cowboys
Category: Historical Romance