Blue Moon Cowboy

by Shanna Hatfield

He’s spent decades guarding his heart. She’s spent a lifetime chasing the horizon. Neither of them were prepared for love to catch them by surprise. Widower Jason Price isn’t looking for romance. As a trusted pickup man for the Rockin’ K Rodeo Company, part-owner of his family’s ranch, and a proud grandpa, his days—and his heart—are already full. Love is for younger folks with fewer scars and more time.

Photographer Lainey Collins traded corporate life for the open road, capturing the faces and stories of everyday people. Living out of her travel van, she’s built a life of freedom, purpose, and just enough distance to keep her heart safe.

But when a chance meeting at a rodeo puts her in Jason’s orbit, everything begins to shift.

As Lainey sets out to create a book featuring the faces of the rodeo, she finds herself returning again and again—to the arena… and to Jason. What begins as a project turns into something deeper as sparks fly, laughter comes easy, and two guarded hearts start to open.

Falling in love is one thing.

But trusting it—and daring to build a future—is another.

Can a cowboy who’s learned to live without love and a woman who’s always kept moving finally find a place to belong… together?

197 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2026

About the author

A hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a best-selling author of clean romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor.

In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield

Reviews

[Catherine Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stepping into the rodeo world with Shanna. You feel like you are stepping into a family of people all connected by Rodeo but who aren't actually family. Not that they let that stop them from interfering in peoples lives just like family does!  And that is exactly what happens in the Blue Moon Cowboy. Jason is the older dad woring at the rodeo, and he thinks he is past romance "once in a blue moon, he recalled how nice it was to be around a sweet-smelling, tenderhearted woman" ... but when he is backed into by a beautiful woman he suddenly starts remembering how romance begins.
Lainey enjoys being on the road, answering to no-one and being able to take photos for her books but appreciates the glimpses of families that care and when she backs into Jason in an attempt to get the perfect shot "her mind felt utterly befuddled" by this charming cowboy. A chance meeting turns into two and they soon enjoy each other's company regularly. However they both have tragedy in their past and need to decide if this second chance is one to grab or if it is too risky to love again.  I loved how Jason's family was as involved in their story and Jason and Lainey. It really highlights how a close family is a wonderful thing to be enjoyed.
I loved this book, it was a light and sweet read that had themes of second chances, healing and that life isn't over even if you are 'older'.  The romance was sweet and swoony and the characters were fun. It looks like this is a spin off series from the popular Rodeo Romances which excites me to see lots of new characters in future books. I also appreciated the connections made to other books in Shanna's library - always great to see characters again!

[Rose Ann FOLGER]

Blue Moon Cowboy is a great book, it also reconnects with a lot of our Rodeo friends that we’ve read over the years. Shanna never disappoints I love ALL her books and Blue Moon Cowboy is up there in my top 10 favorites from her. The one thing I loved most was Lainey and Jason are older ( like me ) second chances at love when you least expect it.

Jason Price and Lainey Collins both have no interest in love , Lainey is a gypsy at heart travel the world taking photographs for her books. Jason has a ranch and is Pickup man traveling the rodeo circuit. But sometimes god winks and throws 2 people together who never realized what they were missing till their paths cross. Lainey has a secret she never talks about, no interest in love not even on her radar. Jason was married for years till his wife died in an accident, he gave his heart once never doing that again.

Blue Moon Cowboy is a sweet romance that will make you realize sometimes second chances at love is exactly what you need.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

The romance in this book swept me off my feet. I liked how quickly I was pulled into the story by the characters. Lainey was a photographer for coffee table books and Jason was a rodeo pick up man. It was fascinating to learn about their careers and how much time they spent traveling on the road.

I really liked their faith and God’s perfect timing in this book because both characters never intended on falling in love at their age, especially since they were on the road most of the time with their careers. This second chance romance filled me with hope and inspiration.

I also enjoyed that characters from other books were mentioned in this story. This is a book that I will definitely reread because it holds a special place in my heart for all that this couple had been through and how they found each other when they weren’t even looking. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lainey is a photography. She is working on a book about matriarch women of the west. While attending a rodeo, she "bumps" into Jason. Jason is a pick up man for the rodeo. He invites Lainey to spend an extra day and show her the rodeo. A few months later they run into each other again. Lainey has finished her book and researching ideas for the next one. She spends the week at the rodeo learning about the riders and all that is involved in rodeos. She also spends time with Jason. Lainey has a tragic past. Jason's wife died 20 years before and he was never interested in dating or re-marrying. When not at the rodeo, he was home on the ranch with his 90 yr old dad, kids and grandkids. Lainey is content to be a "gypsy" and travel around in her van. Can Jason convince her to put down roots? Such a good book.

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lainey is an award-winning photographer who lives in her travel van in which she travels all over the country taking photos and interviewing people for her books. Jason is a rodeo pick-up man and a widower of over 20 years. They both live a nomadic existence, but Jason has a home and family to return to at the end of rodeo season. Lainey has no family or home to return to. Is the Lord working in Lainey’s life to bring her love, family, and a home?

This is a lovely Christian romance with very interesting characters. Some of the people can be seen in previous books by Shanna Hatfield. Though the second book in the series, it is totally stand-alone. The people and the rodeo are so well-depicted that you feel you are there.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[Elaine Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story of second chance love. Jason and Lainey had both lost spouses and children years ago, and both vowed to never open their hearts to love again. But a chance meeting sparked something in them, and over time they developed a close friendship, which led to more. I always love revisiting the rodeo family. Shanna writes such wonderful, believable characters you feel like you know them. It's like visiting old friends. As Jason's family, both natural and rodeo, open their hearts and welcome Lainey, she finds healing and love she never believed was possible for her. Another great story from one of my favorite authors.


I received a copy of this book from the author as an ARC, but a positive review was not required.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! If you like clean, inspirational romance this is the book for you! Jason and Lainey have both been wounded by life and think there will never be another love like they had before. Who expects to fall in love later in life? There is instant attraction when they meet but they have very different lives and careers and neither wants to go through heartache again. One of my favorite mini-stories is when Lainey befriends a couple of truckers to keep her safe. It was great catching up with the rodeo families I had met in previous books. Shanna’s writing style will have you right there. You will feel like family, want to play with the kids, pet the bull, and eat the desserts! Don’t miss it!

[Linda R · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've read about Jason Price, a beloved Rodeo Romance character, for years. Along with his son, Shaun, he is a pickup man for the Rockin' K Rodeo Company. Jason has a full life with the rodeo, the family ranch, his kids, and grandkids. Widowed for more than twenty years, Jason has no interest in ever marrying again until Lainey Collins backs into him at a rodeo while photographing her latest subject.

Blue Moon Cowboy is the second book in the Hearts Of The West series by Shanna Hatfield. I loved Jason and Lainey's story. It was quick and easy to read, and I liked that many aspects of this author's Rodeo Romance books were included. The wedding ceremony was unique and beautiful.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love knows no age limit.

Jason has been a strong character, a real gentleman, in each of the novels he has appeared in, and it is good to see him finally get his forever sweetheart. Lainey is definitely a good match for him. They can both understand the loss of loved ones and broken dreams.

Their story is very gentle and fairly slow as they navigate their tricky job schedules to make time to become friends and then more. They are great together and the family folds Lainey into their arms so easily.

This was an easy read that moved along at a good pace. I liked it. I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story. Lainey travels the country taking photos of people, living in a van and meeting countless wonderful folks along the way. When she quite literally bumps into Jason, everything changes. As they spend time together, Lainey starts to reconsider her wandering lifestyle. Jason, a widower for 20 years, has a loving family, a beautiful home, and works the rodeos with his son before returning to their ranch. Getting to know Jason’s family and his rodeo crew makes Lainey wonder if it’s time to settle down. Both she and Jason have endured deep heartache and closed themselves off from love, content with their lives—until they meet. Could she give up her gypsy ways for one place? Will Jason open his heart to love again?

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason and Lainey's story is another beautiful romance from Shanna Hatfield. Jason is such a good, hard-working gentleman cowboy. And Lainey is his match, so different to him yet just what he needed. I love the more cautious approach of these two, considering they've both known love before, they're a little older and wiser, but they also recognise that they don't have as many years left so they need to just enjoy them.
I always also just love reading little snippets about the other cowboys' lives, seeing where their stories have taken them.
Reading Shanna's books brings me comfort; I know I'm going to be reading something exceptional, sweet, and so enthralling I won't want to put the book down! Blue Moon Cowboy is no exception.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason, a widower for more than twenty years, had given up on love, after trying to date, but never wanting to have more than two dates with any woman he ever dated. So, he just lives out his life, working with the rodeo circuit and being the best papa he can be. One day, though, a beautiful woman backs right into him, and as soon as they look at each other, it’s like love at first sight. Secretly, for her, though. Lainey is a photographer who lives in a van, traveling around the countryside. She’s had some pretty famous books published, each book focusing on one subject. After realizing that Jason is one of the guys that keeps the cowboys safe while they get off of the bull’s backs, she is very intrigued and has a lot of fun learning the ropes of the rodeo from him and getting some awesome pictures. She decides her next “Faces” book will be rodeo people. Lainey falls in love with all of the Circle K rodeo team, and even the Circle P, Jason’s family. It becomes as clear as a bell, that she cannot let this love slip away for a lonely future. This is such a wonderful book of two lonely people, finding their true love when they never expected it! It was so wonderful, I didn’t stop until I had read the whole book! I highly recommend it to everyone! 📕♥️

[Cindy y · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great rodeo romance from Shanna. I always love heading back into this series to meet new people and revisit old friends. Is it just me, or does it feel like these are real people we could actually go visit? :) Jason and Lainey's story was kind of bittersweet. They both had dealt with such loss over the years and neither were looking for any kind of relationship. But, of course, Shanna makes sure they do. And since Jason works for the rodeo, their relationship is in full view of all of his friends, who all do their part to make sure they fall for each other. It really is a beautiful story.

I received an ARC from the author, but my review is voluntary and my own opinion.

[Marty Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great story! The fact that it was set in a familiar setting was even better. It feels like a letter from home, catching up with everyone and finding new friends and love.
Being that Lainey and Jason are older, each felt they were too set in their ways and each had careers that not only kept them busy, it had them on the road for extended periods of time.
Jason with his rodeos and Lainey with her photography, were independent and didn’t see settling down in their future. However, life has a way of making things happen, like putting you in each others paths; repeatedly. Will they change their plans to include each other in their lives? Great story!

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about two people who think they have had their one chance at love. Both are fulfilled with their lives doing what they love. Jason is a rodeo pick up man, partnering with is son. Lainey is well known for her photography book series "Faces". Both are at the same rodeo doing their work, when Lainey backs into Jason as she's taking pictures. They both are intrigued, her seeing a handsome cowboy, him seeing a very attractive woman, but too busy to think farther than that. But they keep seeing each other and taking more notice of each other. This is a wonderful story that you'll enjoy!!

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Moon Cowboy

This is a marvelous later in life love story. Jason Price works as a pickup man at rodeos for the Rockin’ K Rodeo Company. Lainey Collins is a photographer who travels the country capturing interesting faces with her camera and compiling them into books with the stories behind the faces being told. She lives in a travel van and has no place to land. The walls of her heart are high and untouchable until she runs into Jason Price at a rodeo she is attending with one of her featured women. The connection between them is strong but her willpower is stronger. Will Jason be able to tear down her walls? I recommend you read the book to learn more.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a wonderful second chance tale! Widower Jason is just working away, enjoying his life and family. Hasn’t been interested in starting over with anyone since losing his wife. Then Lainey drops out of nowhere and captures his heart. Lainey lives in a van roaming wherever her next photography project takes her, not interested in getting tied down or looking for love, but somehow it finds her all the same. I love meeting the continues stories from this series! Find out how these two deal with not wanting love or a long distance relationship. What a great book, you won’t want to put it down!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lainey Collins and Jason Price meet when Lainey backs into Jason at a Rodeo. Both have no desire to ever fall in love again. Shanna Hatfield weaves a beautiful story of their “Blue Moon” relationship. An added bonus Shanna includes some of my favorites people from her previous books. If you don’t want to know how this wonderful book ends STOP READING HERE. Blue Moon Cowboy ends with the Best wedding I’ve ever read! I received a complimentary copy of Roped into Paradise. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Beverly Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about Jason and Lainey in this super sweet, lovely story. I loved getting to know Jason better and getting to revisit with friends from past books. I'm glad the author included those wonderful moments with the kids and grandkids, as well as with other children in their rodeo family. It made the story more alive for me and helped bring out the true character of Jason and Lainey. Lainey's character was so well written that I could feel the passion that she had for her photography projects. Very enjoyable!

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Jason and Lainey both had tragedy in their lives many years ago. They didn't think they would ever find that kind of love again.

When Lainey backed into Jason while she was taking pictures, she thought she had backed into a brick wall. Until she turned around. Definitely a surprise!

This is the beginning of their story. You'll definitely want to read this book to find out how their story ends and what happens in the middle. You will not be disappointed.

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shanna writes the best stories of love and hope, no matter the age or life's circumstances of her characters - I can always relate to them and enjoyed reading this story to continue an awesome series. Lainey is a self imposed loner who thinks that her job keeps her to busy for dating or any family interaction and Jason is so busy with the rodeo he has no idea where he could find any extra time for romance - BUT one little bump into each other sets them up for a great few months where they decide that life alone is no longer an option!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason is an older cowboy being the "pickup man" after the competitors have finished their ride and he is also widower and papa so his days of love and romance are over or so he thinks. Lainey at the rodeo where she is taking pictures for another one of her photography books when she accidentally bumps into Jason and they continue to cross paths. They both never expected to feel the pull to each other but sometimes the heart wants what it wants. Another well written book about a mature couple falling in love unexpectedly.

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason and Lainey find are not looking for their “forever love” but when they collide with one another at a rodeo they just can’t seem to stop thinking about each other. He works for the Rockin K Rodeo Company and she is a free-lance photographer who decides her next book will be about rodeo people. As they get to know one another their guarded hearts begin to open to trust and the possibility of forever together. It was nice to have some of the other people from previous novels make an appearance in this story.
R. Fody
5-19-26

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic story

This is such a perfect story for Jason! As a 56 yr old at the time of writing this, it's wonderful reading about romance later on in life.
Lainey's backstory is powerful and lends so much to the book as a whole.
I can't wait for Galen's HEA now!
Just cause there's snow on the roof, doesn't mean there isn't a fire in the furnace!
More late in life stories are needed as we Harlequin readers of the 80s have reached an age that love brings different challenges and rewards.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

Wow. That was wonderful.

I loved the characters. They held back a bit even as they were attracted to each other. I love that they accepted love after the extremely sad situations they survived. The scenes where those stories were shared weren't the only ones that brought tears to my eyes. This story has a happy ending that was just so joy-filled!

I loved it!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heartwarming sweet romance is filled with emotion. Jason's wife died 20 years ago and he figured he would go through the rest of his life as a dad and grandpa but without a spouse. Lainey is a traveling photographer and author on the New York Times bestsellers list. She lives in a van going after her next story. When Jason and Lainey meet, they both have a lot of healing to do before learning to trust and open their hearts to love.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply love all these tales of the rodeo cowboys and all the excitement they experience. Jason and Lainey both lend deep tragedy, and they go through much in becoming acquainted. You do such a wonderful job of showing the deep emotions and halting feelings. Getting more updates on prior characters keeps me involved in these storylines. My rodeo families are funny and entertaining throughout.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this is the second book in Hearts of the West Series, this book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. Lainey loves to find more out about others through her gift of photography and creating books. Jason is active in rodeo as a pick up man. They both have hearts ready for love, although she can't seem to slow down from her nomadic lifestyle. There is love, light suspense, and danger...what a great read!

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I absolutely loved Jason and Lainey's story. I had hoped to get Jason's story after reading so much about him in Shane's story and it was well worth the wait. This author has a way of making the characters come alive on the pages and you start to feel as if you know the characters. I so enjoyed watching things as they developed between these two. A wonderful read that i absolutely loved

[Jean Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful later in life romance

Jason and Lainey' s story is a very sweet second chance, later in life romance. They were so well matched! I have liked Jason so much in the Rodeo Romance series and was so happy that Shanna decided to give him his own story! Shanna does such a good job with giving her characters such real and down to earth personalities. All her books are wonderful and I highly reconm them all!