Author: Jennie Marts (Page 1 of 3)

BOOK REVIEW: A Cowboy Country Christmas (Creedence Horse Rescue #6) by Jennie Marts

October 12, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

A Cowboy Country Christmas (Creedence Horse Rescue #6)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
There's no better time than Christmas to open your heart

Holt Callahan used to love the holidays, but getting dumped on Christmas Eve would turn anyone into a Grinch. Now he hates Christmas and all the holly jolly shenanigans that go with it. When he moves back to his cousin's ranch in Creedence, Colorado, the last thing he expects is to come face to face with the one who got away and all of her holiday cheer.

Lainey McBride is all about Christmas. Now she's running her family's ranch festivities while her grandfather is in rehab, and no matter how many things don't go according to plan, she's determined to bring her holiday spirit. But the holidays have their own way of healing, and a Christmas in Creedence just might be the merry magic that brings these two broken hearts back together again.

Review:

A Cowboy Country Christmas was a heartwarming, second chance romance. With characters that will find their way into your heart and a cast of animals that will make you laugh and smile, I can’t recommend this book enough. With sleigh rides, hot cocoa, snow, mistletoe and so much more, this festive heartfelt book is exactly what you need around the holidays!

Holt snapped the reins and gave Merry a cluck, and the sleigh burst forward, the runners gliding easily along the freshly fallen snow. Lainey laughed with delight, and he knew he would do just about anything, even wear a stupid jingling Santa hat, to hear her laugh like that again.

Holt Callahan hated Christmas after having his heart ripped out on Christmas Eve. He currently found himself living on his cousin’s ranch, in the adorable small town of Creedence, Colorado. Yet one day on the ranch, Holt came face to face with the woman from his past. Her name was Lainey McBride and her grandparents owned the ranch next to his cousin’s. Colt had been in love with Lainey since he was 10 years old. He thought she had left for good when they were teenagers. So he was shocked to see her back, and dressed as one of Santa’s elves. When Lainey asked Colt to help her out with some Christmas festivities, he couldn’t say no to her. It had felt like no time had passed since he had been around the woman he loved. And from that one moment, it led them on a path to a beautiful second chance!

She’d shredded his emotions and pretty much wrecked him for years. Maybe still. But she was here now, smiling up at him, and that was all that mattered.

I adored Holt! He was a grumpy, sexy, cowboy who was such a good man and had the biggest heart. He worked around his cousin’s ranch and loved the animals he spent his time with. So I couldn’t understand what happened to make Lainey stand him up at the dance when they were younger. She had shattered his heart. But even with his heart hurt, and with questions about the past, Holt found himself smiling more when he was around Lainey. I loved that he messed with her. His banter and teasing was smile inducing and made me laugh. And I loved even more that he helped Lainey out every time she needed it.

A little flicker of something that felt like hope bloomed in her chest, and she couldn’t keep the smile from broadening across her face. It had been a lot of years since she’d flirted with Holt Callahan, but it still felt as easy as falling into a mountain lake on a hot summer day.

Lainey found herself back in Creedence at her Grandparents ranch. Every year they put on Christmas celebrations that countless people came to and helped fund their ranch for half of the year. Yet with her Grandma’s passing and her Grandpa’s broken hip, Lainey stepped up to pull off the Christmas magic! I liked Lainey right away, yet I paused when we got to listen to her thoughts too. I didn’t understand why she thought Holt had abandoned her. So as I was waiting for the past to meet the present, I loved how strong and brave Lainey was. How she had the biggest heart too. And that Lainey seemed to be falling back in love with Holt all over again, while also helping him fall in love with Christmas.

He let go of her hair, and his fingers trailed softly over her neck and along her jawline. Her lips parted, and she sucked in a quick breath as his thumb grazed across her bottom lip.

It was beautiful to watch how Lainey and Holt’s friendship rekindle so quickly. It was like they never were apart. Except for the fact that there was a huge elephant in the room about why they parted ways to begin with. But with touches, glances and kisses under the mistletoe, I loved watching their love for one another come back and continue to grow. On top of Lainey and Holt we also got to see so many characters from the previous book and even the other series too. Do you need to read the previous books in this series or the one before it? Nope! But I can’t recommend them enough! Aunt Sassy was hilarious as ever! I loved seeing someone all the way back from Caught Up in a Cowboy! And getting to see HEA’s for characters in the Creedence Horse Rescue previous books was so beautiful! I had happy tears over getting to see how their stories played out! But there was also moments of laughter with the animal antics. With a dog rescue, a fainting goat and even a camel, along with our favorite tiny horse, pig and goat this book had it all! Ohhhh and my favorite moment was the nativity scene. I was laughing so hard that I had tears pouring down my face.

He closed his eyes and dropped his chin as if her touch caused him physical pain. She started to pull her hand away, but he caught it in his and held her fingers to his lips, pressing a hard kiss against them. “I’ve missed you so much,” he whispered against her palm, his voice husky and raw with emotion.

A Cowboy Country Christmas ended with the most wonderful happily ever after! And with baking cookies, ugly Christmas sweaters and trees, this book was filled with all the Christmas cheer! Plus a Christmas miracle that will bring tears to your eyes! I absolutely adored this story and I love that whenever I pick up a book by Jennie Marts, it is always filled with so much heart and love! I can’t wait to read whatever she releases next!

PS They talked about hot cocoa with crushed-up candy canes stirred in and then sprinkled on top of the marshmallows and OH MY GOSH! This sounds amazing! Why I’ve never had that before is beyond me but I’m making this for me and my little boys ♥!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Every Bit a Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #5) by Jennie Marts

March 11, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

Every Bit a Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #5)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
There's nothing quite like a cowboy.

No matter how swoony the cute cowboy is, romance is the last thing on Carley Chapman's mind. But it's hard to ignore Knox Garrison and the spark of attraction she feels every time he's near. When a water line break floods her building, she's forced to move her salon out to the Horse Rescue ranch, and Knox shows up to help. But things get even more complicated when Carley's no-good ex comes sniffing around and Knox "fixes" the problem by telling him they're engaged…

Review:

Every Bit a Cowboy was a heartwarming, small town romance. With fake dating, adorably cute farm animals and characters that leapt from the pages, this book was such a huge win!

“Lunch isn’t exactly what I’m hungry for…”
He left the statement open-ended, as if passing the flirty ball back to her side of the court. But as much as her body was responding to his words with surges of heat and crazy stomach flutters, this was one game she wasn’t prepared to play.

Carley Chapman was a hairdresser in town, and we got to meet her in Never Enough Cowboy. When she got her moving weekends mixed up, and her sister and friends weren’t available, she turned to Knox. Knox Garrison was a deputy in their town, who worked with her sister’s husband. They got along so easily and there was a definite spark between them! So when Carley’s horrific ex came back to town, who definitely had some creepy stalker vibes, Knox stood up for her and ended up stating they were engaged. Living in a small town had word spreading fast. And they both decided it was best to continue the farce, until her ex left town. What unfolded was so much fun!

“Oh, and Knox,” she said softly. “Thanks for checking in with me. It helped.”
“That’s what friends are for,” he said. “See you tonight.”
That’s what friends are for? He gave himself a mental head slap. Why had he said that? He didn’t want to be her friend.

Carley was definitely jaded from her past, since her ex was a complete douchebag. Because of him, she didn’t want to go on a date let alone have a relationship with a man. When she found out that Knox had said they were engaged, I was so nervous. When she agreed to go along with his plan, butterflies erupted. I had so much hope Carley. She never felt like she had a home anywhere. She moved around a lot as a kid and her ex-husband didn’t make things stable for them. So it was easy to understand why she internally struggled about Knox. She liked him and even though he kept helping her out, she was still terrified that he would hurt her. Or leave her, like everyone else did. I patiently waited for Carley to catch up with what her heart already knew, that Knox was one of the good ones.

She closed her fingers around his hand. “You’re a good man, Knox Garrison. Better than I deserve.”
“You deserve everything,” he whispered, the emotion stealing his voice.

Knox was so easy to love! He showed us time and again that he was kind, thoughtful and caring. He was so good to his townspeople and I loved how they thanked him with Twinkies lol. And I loved how he put his feelings out there. He was forward with Carley and let her know that he was interested. Even in front of others. So watching him care and protect Carley shined beautifully from the pages. When they started to pretend that they were engaged, it was impossible not to be giddy with the little touches here and there. Along with the moments they wanted to be seen together. But most of all I loved how hot their first kiss was! The passion and chemistry between them was electrifying! And together they made such a good team. They had similar pasts, similar friends and their friendship seemed seamless. I kept hoping they would switch from faking to real. They both deserved their HEAs!

A grin tugged at his lips. “You think I’m hot?”
She pressed her lips together as if trying not to smile, but in the end she failed. “Yes, of course I do. Remember our moment on the dryer?”
“Darlin’, to my dyin’ day, I will forever remember our moment on the dryer.”

Rounding out this story were side characters that were so easy to like….or dislike. I was so over the moon happy to see characters from It Started With a Cowboy, that’s one of my favorites in the Cowboys of Creedence Series! We saw soooo many of those we loved from that series and this one too. Plus we got to attend a wedding for a couple we love! While yes, you can easily read this as a standalone, I can’t recommend the other books in Cowboys of Creedence Series and Creedence Horse Rescue Series enough! There were also animals we adored from previous books and the introduction of new ones too. Otis and Tiny and their antics had me cracking up again! I wish they were real, I’d love to meet them! And the newest additions, awww sooo cute, and I loved the nod to Friends. Now for the dislike side, ohhh how I hated Paul and kept wishing for something bad karma to happen!

For just that moment in time, she let herself trust Knox, with her body and her heart, and surrendered herself to him.

Every Bit a Cowboy was a romantic fake dating romance that brimmed with tons of heart! With characters that were so easy to connect with, a town that felt like home, and friendships and love that filled the pages with so emotion, it was impossible not to love this book. I always pick up Jennie Marts books knowing that I’ll smile, laugh and fall in love, so I can’t wait to read her next release!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Never Enough Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #4) by Jennie Marts

August 25, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

Never Enough Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #4)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Fans of Carolyn Brown, Maisey Yates, and Jennifer Ryan will fall head over cowboy boots for this second-chance romance from USA Today bestseller Jennie Marts.

Single mom Jillian Bennett barely has a moment to herself between raising her ten-year old son, volunteering at the horse rescue ranch, and working her new job as head librarian of Creedence, Colorado. She doesn't have time for romance either, even though she and the cute deputy, Ethan Rayburn, have been doing a lot of flirting the last few weeks. But when he also forms a bond with her son, Milo, Jillian falls hard, and Ethan soon realizes he would do anything for the feisty librarian who's won his heart.

Review:

Never Enough Cowboy was heartwarming, touching, and an instant favorite! This book had me constantly laughing and I loved being back in this world. It truly felt like coming home. But keep those tissues nearby, because this one pulled on my heart more times than I can count. If you love small town romances, or country romances, definitely make for sure this book is on your tbr!

“It’s okay for you to fall,” he said, his voice a husky whisper. “I promise I’ll catch you.”

Jillian Bennett was new to town, a librarian, and a single mom. She was quirky and I loved her for it, especially her ridiculous underwear lol! Through mutual acquaintances, Jillian found herself running into Ethan Rayburn time and again. He was a deputy and was completely smitten by Jillian. Yet, Jillian was focused and had a lot on her plate. She didn’t feel as though she had time to date, even if Ethan clicked so easily with her son, Milo. Ethan was determined to knock down Jillian’s walls and find a way into her heart. And his path to that was beyond adorable and steamy too!

Tilting her face up to his, she looked into his gorgeous blue eyes and saw such tenderness there, it hurt her chest. Emotion burned the back of her throat, and she feared she might start crying again. “I could really fall for you, you know?”
His lips curved into a roguish grin. “That’s what I’m hoping for.”

I absolutely loved Ethan! I loved that he knew what he wanted in life and went after it. From the first moment he met Jillian, he just knew she was for him. And that man did not have a subtle bone in his body about wanting Jillian lol! Ethan was kind, patient, sexy, romantic, hilarious and so sweet. Yet he could also be tough as nails and a force to be reckoned with. So I loved his softer moments with Jillian and her son. He was so thoughtful and I loved the lengths he went to, to try and win Jillian over. But I was so nervous for him. Would Jillian open up and let him in?

“I’ll just look around then, maybe check out a book or two, while I wait.” He leaned forward, lowering his voice further. “Got any recommendations for books about romance? I’m kind of interested in this woman, and I feel like I need to up my game with her.”
She pressed her lips together to keep a giggle from escaping.

Jillian and Ethan had such an emotional path. Their old fears and pasts crept in. Mistakes were made. And there were scenes that pulled at my heart and made me cry all the tears. Not only for Jillian and Ethan, but for the animals too as we watched them work towards their HEAs also. But don’t worry because there was lots of joy, and I had so many happy tears too! So many of our favorites are back, humans and animals. I loved Otis the goat and Aunt Sassy and her meddling. I laughed so hard, I don’t even know how many times, that I had tears streaming down my face and was gasping for breath! And watching Ethan and Jillian’s son Milo together made my heart burst with joy! Ohh plus this book had a surprise that I’m not saying a word about other then I LOVED how it affected the story!

“Darlin’, haven’t you figured out by now that it doesn’t matter if you’re wearing my hat, your superhero undies, a down parka, or nothing at all, I am completely at your mercy.”

Why is this series not a tv show?!?! I would binge it again and again, just like I still do with Friends! Never Enough Cowboy was fun, flirty and heartwarming! With friendship and love, this story was so much fun! I was completely swept away and I think romance lovers will feel the same way too! And now I’m dying to know, are Knox and Carly the next book? *fingers crossed!*

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Cowboy Ever After by Jennie Marts

July 18, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

Cowboy Ever After by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
She’s writing a romance novel…
and he’s just like the hero in her story!
Enjoy the delightful cowboy romance from Hallmark and USA Today bestselling author Jennie Marts.

Kaylee Collins, a shy city-dweller, is writing a Western romance—and getting the details wrong. Her editor insists that Kaylee learn more about country life by spending a week at a working ranch. Kaylee reluctantly agrees as long as she can bring Gladys, her slightly overweight Corgi.

To rustle up her courage, Kaylee channels the spirit of the fearless heroine of her story. But she’s shocked when she meets Luke Montgomery—the spitting image of her handsome cowboy hero!

As far as Luke’s concerned, Kaylee’s books are pure fantasy. Love hurts, and he should know: he lost his wife a few years back. But he finds himself amused, and then enchanted, by this woman who bravely tries new things and whose heart seems to be as big as the Montana sky. Can they both dare to start a new chapter together?

This clean romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Extra Delicious Carrot Cake.

Review:

Cowboy Ever After was a heartwarming tale that was filled with love, laughter and friendship. If you love small town romances and stories that play out like you’re watching a Hallmark movie, you need this book in your life. I desperately need this to be made into a Hallmark movie so I can binge it again and again! Cowboy Ever After was a charming, sweet and delightful romance that landed right on my favorites list!

All she could focus on was the way his fingers had felt as they brushed her cheek and the crystal blue shade of his eyes as he peered down at her. She was caught in his gaze, powerless to move as she drowned in their depths.

Kaylee Collins was an author who lived in Chicago, but needed to perfect some of the smaller details in her cowboy romance stories. When her editor suggested that she go to Montana, to stay with her brother and learn how a ranch works, Kaylee agreed. She embarked on a trip, along with her adorable corgi Gladys who I absolutely loved! Their adventure was filled with an adorable small town, friendly townspeople, farm animals and a sexy cowboy that looked like just like the hero in one of her books!

Kaylee Collins had landed in his life, with her pudgy dog, hot pink cowgirl outfit and a smashed vegetable cake, and he hadn’t been the same since.

I loved Kaylee! She was so relatable and easy to click with. From choosing the wrong clothes, to trying and channel one of her characters for bravery, I absolutely adored her! And from that first goosetastic moment she stepped on Luke’s ranch, Kaylee’s world started to change. She tried her best to get out of her comfort zone, while helping on a working ranch. And I loved how her time helping or being around the ranch inspired moments in her books! But most of all, I loved that Kaylee was always a joy to be around. Her cheerfulness and happiness was infectious! And before Luke knew it, that broody cowboy started to feel things he hadn’t felt in years!

He held the book sideways, and she could see he was already half-way through. “I was just gonna read a couple of pages, but I couldn’t put it down. You’re a great writer, Kaylee.”
“Thank you,” she whispered. “That means a lot.” His words touched something in her.

Luke was a tortured hero I fell hard for! He seemed to keep his head down, work hard, and didn’t expect much from a city person coming and staying with him. So I loved that Kaylee shocked him. Her willingness to jump right in and help, while getting her hands dirty, made him pause and look at her. Which he hadn’t done with anyone in quite a long time. And as Kaylee got Luke to open up, I loved that he was charming and easy to talk to. He was also kind, thoughtful, protective and extremely sexy! Even if he could be a little clueless when it came to women at times. Luke was a hero that so many people will easily fall for!

The air felt different here. And so did she. Something about being on the ranch was filling an empty place inside her. Maybe a place she didn’t even know was there. Not until she got here and found the missing pieces to fill it with.

While Luke and Kaylee seemed like polar opposites, they both spent so much time alone and loved their dogs Gladys and Cooper with their whole heart and souls. I loved what Gladys and Cooper added to the story; they both easily wiggled their ways into my heart! And as Kaylee spent more time around Luke, I fell hard for him right along with her! He was swoon worthy, sigh inducing and had such a good heart. I loved them working on the ranch together and going to town events. But Luke had his walls up high and Kaylee was only there to research her book, and then would be heading back to the city. Still, neither of them could ignore the tension between them that simmered with electricity!

“All that matters is just you and me, darlin’.”
“Just you and me,” she repeated in a whisper.

Cowboy Ever After was a story-line that captured my heart! Every time I pick up a Jennie Marts book I know that I will be smiling from that first page to the last, and that the story will be filled with so much heart! There were also hidden treasures with Dean, Emma, Bear and so many animals! With laughter, romance, jealousy, friendship and love, this book was everything! If you need a feel good story, definitely look no further then this book!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: How to Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #3) by Jennie Marts

December 20, 2021 / Jen / 6 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: How to Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #3) by Jennie Marts How to Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #3)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

How do you heal a broken heart?

After one injury too many, Cade Callahan gave up the rodeo for a simpler life working at his cousin's horse rescue ranch. But his life turns upside down when his estranged daughter is placed in his custody after a tragic car accident. Wanting nothing to do with her father, thirteen-year-old Allie struggles to adjust to her new life.

Newly single and living out of her mother's basement, physical therapist Nora Fisher doesn't think twice about taking a job as a traveling therapist for Cade's daughter. The trouble is, she doesn't know anything about horses, or hunky cowboys. Now both in way over their heads, can Cade and Nora find a way to help Allie, and trust in the attraction building between them?

Review:

How to Cowboy was an emotional, heartwarming tale that romance lovers will fall hard for! With a romance story I was rooting for, a child who captured my heart and animals I adored, this story was such a huge win! I couldn’t stop smiling, even with all of the emotion packed into the pages. And the tears falling at times. So if you’re a fan of adult romance, then you definitely need this book in your life!

“You okay?” Nora whispered.
Her heart tore in two as he blinked back tears. But then he slowly nodded. She wanted to go to them, to take both of them into her arms and tell them everything would be okay. But it wouldn’t be okay. Not for Allie. Not for a very long time.

Cade hadn’t spent much time with his daughter, Allie. But when Allie’s mother suddenly passed away in a car accident, Cade found himself bringing his daughter back to the ranch. Being so far away from the city, he hired a traveling physical therapist. Nora moved in next to them to help Allie recover from the accident. And nothing was easy. There was so much emotional healing that had to take place for all three of them. But with time, friendship patience, love and animals, this book sailed fabulously into a happily ever after!

She clutch the towel to her chest. “My heart is still racing.”
“Your heart is racing? Darlin’, I’m the one who just missed out on seeing a naked woman having a tug-of-war with a goat.”
That was it. A laugh burst from her, and she couldn’t stop.

I was obsessed with Cade! He was strong, sexy, seductive without even trying and he had a heart of gold! And while he was sure when it came to horses, and working on his cousin’s horse rescue ranch, he wasn’t so sure when it came to his thirteen year old daughter. He was in over his head at times and it felt like he had to walk on egg shells. Thankfully Allie quickly connected with Nora. And Cade felt something when it came to Nora too. Yes there was an instant attraction. But there was something more. With each passing moment that they were near each other, it became harder to deny the chemistry and longing between the two of them!

He leaned down and softly grazed her lips with his— not quite a kiss but enough to feel the soft catch of her breath and the delicious enticement of her mouth.
“What’s this going to cost me? ” he whispered, but he already knew the answer.
It was going to cost him everything.

I absolutely adored Nora! Her backstory pulled at my heart. And the way she helped Allie warmed my soul. She was so kind and caring. But she was definitely jaded from her past. So I was happy to see how quickly she warmed to country living and all of the animals. It was emotional to watch how she started to deeply care for Allie, as she helped her heal physically and emotionally. But I loved most of all how she kept feeling a pull towards Cade. They fit so seamlessly together. It was like they had always known each other. So when the first move was made, this book was a steamy, heartwarming read that I couldn’t get enough of!

They were all cracking up, and Allie shrieked with laughter as she tried to get behind Cade instead. “Help! Save me, Dad!”
Even through the squeals of laughter and with a shot of water hitting him in the chest, Cade heard the word and a crazy happiness spread through him. Allie had called him Dad, and the echo of it made his throat tight with emotion.

I loved being back in Creedence! Seeing familiar faces from not only this series but the Cowboys of Creedence warmed my heart. And while this book could easily be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend enough reading the previous books in this series. Each one is about a different couple, and I loved them all. With charm, humor and romance How to Cowboy was an instant favorite! I loved all of the characters, including the animal ones too. I loved how emotional it was having the animals bond with the humans. Tiny and Otis’ antics had me cracking up and the new addition of Scout, Daisy and Clementine was the best. So yes, this book was such a huge win and I can’t recommend it enough!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Reading Order & Links:

Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)
***Each book can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed in order.***