Series: Creedence Horse Rescue

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

BOOK REVIEW: Every Bit a Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #5) by Jennie MartsEvery Bit a Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #5)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Book Depository
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

BOOK REVIEW: Never Enough Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #4) by Jennie MartsNever Enough Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #4)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Book Depository
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: How to Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #3) by Jennie Marts

BOOK REVIEW: How to Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #3) by Jennie MartsHow to Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #3)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Book Depository
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.***


A Cowboy State of Mind #1
Reviews:

Jen

When a Cowboy Loves a Woman #2
Reviews:

Jen

How to Cowboy #3
Reviews:

Jen

BOOK REVIEW: When a Cowboy Loves a Woman (Creedence Horse Rescue #2) by Jennie Marts

BOOK REVIEW: When a Cowboy Loves a Woman (Creedence Horse Rescue #2) by Jennie MartsWhen a Cowboy Loves a Woman (Creedence Horse Rescue #2)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Book Depository
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

They both know the pain of loss and how to protect their hearts...but fate has a way of stepping in...

Her perfectly controlled life falls apart when a kitchen fire lands young widow Elle Brooks in the muscled arms of handsome rancher and veterinarian Brody Tate. The fire forces Elle to move in with her friend Bryn and her motley collection of rescue horses and other animals on the Heaven Can Wait Horse Rescue ranch, where she volunteers. Spending time with the hunky cowboy and his spunky 10-year-old daughter, Mandy, as they rehabilitate the beautiful horses, reminds Elle of all she lost in a car crash years ago. She can't deny the feelings that being close to Brody is stirring in her.

As a widower himself, Brody puts all he has into being a good dad for his spirited daughter. He hasn't let women and romance even enter his mind, until he meets Elle. And now, this woman is all he thinks about. Spending time with her is shaking up the calm stasis he had worked so hard to achieve, but he can't seem to stay away.

Brody and Elle both know the pain of losing someone they loved, and neither planned ever to let themselves fall in love again. But fate has a way of stepping in, and what started with a small fire now burns hotter than either one could have imagined. Can these two wounded souls take a chance on each other and risk their hearts again?


Review:

When a Cowboy Loves a Woman was an emotional tale of hope, friendship, love and second chances. From that first page, this story started off with a bang and then led us down a heartfelt path. It was beautiful how laughter and tears were mixed together.  It was impossible not to fall hard for these two broken souls and their journey to healing and love.  If you love adult romance and happily ever afters, then definitely add this one to your list!

The kind of loss they had both experienced couldn’t be repaired or replaced. The ones they lost were gone forever. He swallowed back the sudden ache in his throat.

Elle Brooks kitchen caught fire and thankfully Brody Tate happened to be across the street, visiting a friend, and was able to help rescue her.  From their first interaction in this story, you could tell there was something there.  It was like fireworks went off when they were near each other.  But confession time, I had already fallen for them in A Cowboy State of Mind. While you don’t have to read that story to enjoy this one, I l recommend it also!  Elle ended up staying with her bestie, Bryn, while her house was undergoing repairs.  And everywhere Elle turned, Brody seemed to be there too.

She fit so easily into their lives, like she already belonged.

I loved Elle!  She was strong, resilient, yet she was broken from her past.  She had suffered so much loss, but had admiringly started to try and live her life again.  She became friends with Bryn, volunteered at Bryn’s horse rescue and I loved watching her find joy in life again.  While Elle didn’t think love would appear one more time, she couldn’t deny her attraction to Brody.  There were sparks between them and they connected so effortlessly.

Mandy threw her arms around Elle and pressed her face into her shoulder. “Why do the people we love have to die? It’s not fair.”
Grief ripped through Elle as she folded the girl into her arms and whispered, “No, it’s not fair, sweet girl. It’s not fair at all.”

Brody was swoon worthy!  He was a single dad to Mandy, was a veterinarian and helped with the animals at the horse rescue at times.  And while you could tell he definitely felt something towards Elle, and had so much fun with her, he was also cautious.  It was not just him he had to think about.  He didn’t want his daughter to be heartbroken if it didn’t work out.  Even though he could see how much Elle adored and cared for Mandy, he was still so hesitant.

He leaned toward her until his forehead touched hers. “I can’t seem to breathe when I’m around you.”
She nodded, fighting her own battle to breathe. “I know,” she whispered.

Both Elle and Brody were healing from the grief of losing their spouses in the past.  While there were emotional moments, there were so many happy and heartfelt ones too.  The banter between them was smile inducing and their steamy moments, oh wow, *fans face*.  I also loved how seamless they fit together.  And that included Mandy too, whether they were helping out with the animals or anything else, Elle, Brody and Mandy felt like they could become a family so easily.  But they didn’t have the easiest rode and I had tears quite a few times for the three of them.

Elle lowered her voice and tried not to smile. “Has anyone ever told you that you have a dirty mind?”
Sassy shrugged and waved away her admonishment with an exaggerated wink. “You say dirty, I say flirty.”

There was also a cast of animals and people that I fell for too.  Shamus the adorable mini-horse, Otis the trouble making goat, Tiny the pig and quite a few of the dogs!  And I have to mention there was an animal part I struggled with BUT have faith.  Jenny wouldn’t do us wrong like that is all I’m saying.  Ohhhhh and we got to see Bryn and her fiancé, Zane.  AND Aunt Sassy who I fell in love with in the Cowboy of Creedence Series!  Plus I loved, loved, loved Mandee, Body’s daughter!

Could she feel how hard his heart was beating? He blew out a sigh. He was trusting her, even though he wasn’t sure he could trust himself. All he wanted to do was give in, to let himself fall.

When a Cowboy Loves a Woman was a beautiful and emotional tale.  The love story, the healing and the friendships, awww I loved it all.  It also touched on bullying that Mandy went through, and that was so well done.  Happy tears, sad tears, broken tears fell from my eyes while reading this story and I can’t recommend it enough!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. 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.***


A Cowboy State of Mind #1
Reviews:

Jen

When a Cowboy Loves a Woman #2
Reviews:

Jen

How to Cowboy #3
Reviews:

Jen

BOOK REVIEW: A Cowboy State of Mind (Creedence Horse Rescue #1) by Jennie Marts

BOOK REVIEW: A Cowboy State of Mind (Creedence Horse Rescue #1) by Jennie MartsA Cowboy State of Mind (Creedence Horse Rescue #1)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Book Depository
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Scarred and battered loner Zane Taylor has a gift with animals, particularly horses, but he's at a total loss when it comes to knowing how to handle women. Even though he's sworn off love, he can't seem to stay away from Bryn Callahan. He's known for being a horse whisperer, but can't seem to find his voice at all where Bryn is concerned.

Bryn Callahan has a heart for strays, but she is through trying to save damaged men. She vows to only date nice guys, which is a category that does not include Zane Taylor. Too bad he's the only one who sets her pulse racing every time she's around him.

Starting a horse rescue ranch wasn't in Bryn's plan, but try telling that to the assembly of abandoned animals that have found their way to her doorstep. And when a chance encounter with a horse headed for slaughter brings Zane and Bryn together, they find themselves given a chance to save not just the horse, but maybe each other...

Review:

With small town charm, characters that were easy to love and a story line that melted my heart, A Cowboy State of Mind had it all!  I laughed, cried and swooned hard.  So if you love cowboys and romance, then you definitely need to look at adding this one to your tbr!

“It was nothing.”
It hadn’t been nothing to her. It had been everything.

I had already fallen hard for Zane Taylor in Wish Upon a CowboyHe was quiet and loyal.  And I loved that he stepped up and helped when needed.  He was such a good person.  Plus I adored his border collie, that he claimed wasn’t his, but he still let her sleep in his bed at night ha!  But my heart bled for Zane.  Other judged him by his scar.  And his upbringing and current situation with his dad made my heart hurt for him.  Thankfully, there was lots of brightness in his life.  Especially anytime he was around Bryn.

She was done saving others. She wanted security and stability. Safety. And when it came to being around Zane Taylor, her heart was anything but safe.

Zane was already head over heels in lust with Bryn, and I couldn’t blame him.  I adored her too!    Bryn Callahan was a kind hearted, quirky, lovable woman who I instantly connected with.  She truly had the biggest heart ever and took in strays without a second thought.  When she saved a horse’s life, that brought Zane back into her life.  And while you could tell that they both liked each other, Bryn tried her best not to get attached.  Zane was supposed to leave the state for work.  But the heart wants what the heart wants.

He didn’t know what to say, how to put into words what her words meant to him. All he could do was show her. He pressed his lips to hers and kissed her with everything in him.

Their love of animals brought Zane and Bryn together again and again.  And I loved that we got to hear both of their thoughts!  Their romance was sweet and slow, but the sexier moments were oh so hot!  But they had a lot of obstacles in their way, besides Zane leaving town.  Like Bryn’s past, her family to Zane not having the best faith in himself.  I just wanted to take all of the distractions away and push them together.  Because anytime they were around the other, it was fabulous!

“That’s the thing about love. We don’t ask for it, but sometimes we get it anyway.”

A Cowboy State of Mind should have easily been a 4.5/5 Star rating for me.  But I struggled with this book.  I’m overly sensitive to animals being in dangerous situations or hurt.  And don’t worry, spoiler alert, all the animals ended up perfectly fine.  But my little girl dog had been sick for months.  So I struggled greatly reading about hurt animals while she was snuggled up next to me extremely sick.  I truly couldn’t handle the animal parts at all, and would put this book down for days to even weeks at a time.  Many, many times.  I’m sure I’m an anomaly, but I wanted to explain why my heart couldn’t fully be in this story.

He brushed her hair back from her forehead, his gaze intense and deep as he stared into her eyes. “The fallin’ is easy, darlin ’. It’s the jumpin’ that takes the strength of will.”
She swallowed, emotion suddenly thickening her throat, as if her body knew that he wasn’t just talking about the ledge. She was already falling, and falling hard, for Zane Taylor, but was she really ready to jump headlong into this thing with him?
He dipped his head and kissed the side of her neck, the scruff of his whiskered chin scraping the delicate skin. She tipped her head back and sighed as she fell.

A Cowboy State of Mind had a happy ending for all, four and three legged animals included.  And I adored Zane and Bryn.  If you love romances that have sexy cowboys in them, heartwarming characters and animals and a story line that will make you root for HEAs, then definitely check this one out.  Jennie Marts is always a huge hit for me, I was just too sensitive with the topic of this book, to make this one a favorite.

*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.***


A Cowboy State of Mind #1
Reviews:

Jen

When a Cowboy Loves a Woman #2
Reviews:

Jen

How to Cowboy #3
Reviews:

Jen

© 2023

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑