This cowboy plays to win Rockford James was raised as a tried and true cowboy in a town crazy about ice hockey. Rock is as hot on the ice as he is on a horse, and the NHL snapped him up. Now, injuries have temporarily benched him. Body and pride wounded, he returns to his hometown ranch to find that a lot has changed. The one thing that hasn’t? His feelings for high school sweetheart and … school sweetheart and girl-next-door Quinn Rivers.
Quinn had no choice but to get over Rock after he left. Teenaged and heartbroken, she had a rebound one night stand that ended in single motherhood. Now that Rock’s back—and clamoring for a second chance—Quinn will do anything to avoid getting caught up in this oh-so-tempting cowboy…
Cowboys of Creedence series:
Caught Up in a Cowboy (Book 1)
You Had Me at Cowboy (Book 2)
What People Are Saying About Jennie Marts:
“An absolute delight.”—Harlequin Junkies TOP PICK for Romancing the Ranger, 5 Stars
more
I loved this book by Jennie Marts. I can’t wait to read her other cowboy books.
Second Chance Romance! Rock and Quinn’s story is fun, sweet, sexy and infuriating but I loved it. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters. They were relatable and had real life problems to deal with. The love and caring Rock showed to Quinn and Max was beautiful and when Rock stood up to protect them, I swooned!! If you a second chance romance fan you will love this story!
4.5 second chance stars! What do you get when you cross a former NHL star with a cowboy? You get one Rockford James. And Ooo-la-la what a combo that is in one man! Now back in his small home town after an injury takes him off the ice, he runs into his former flame Quinn, whose heart he had broken when he left for his hockey career. Now older and wiser, all his regrets for his past handling of his relationship with Quinn, come to the surface. Can he win her back after everything that has happened?
This is a wonderfully sweet, witty and heartwarming story. I went back after having read the other 3 books in this series because it is such an enjoyable series. Ms Marts has a great writing style and is an amazing storyteller.
CAUGHT UP IN A COWBOY by Jennie Marts is a Western and a sports romance. This story is about list love and second chances; it is about lost love reunited, forgiveness and family. This may be my favorite in the series. Highly recommended.
Loved this heartwarming, emotional, witty and engaging second chance journey that is filled with lots of hometown goodness…. a absolutely thrilling read from beginning to end. I really enjoyed the setting and intriguing charters in this series and I am looking forward to more visits to Creedence.
This is the first book in this series about brothers. Rockford James was a really good hockey player. When he had the chance to go pro, he did. He was young and cocky, that he didn’t think of all the changes that would take place. He allowed the one and only person he loved, go. Quinn Rivers has only loved one man, Rockford James. He walked away and she made a mistake. There was no going back. She was going to give her child the best she could. Life never goes as planned. Rock is home to heal his body and hopefully gain his best friend back. Hockey still has the power to drive them apart. What’s a guy and girl to do? Love this series!
How can you go wrong reading a book with hockey-playing cowboys?
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary Jo –
This second chance at romance really shows what happens when a person acts on impulse and lives to regret the decisions they made.
Rockford James, an up and coming hockey player, decides to tackle life as a pro hockey player as a single man rather than taking his longtime girlfriend with him. You get the sense that he regrets his decisions almost immediately but when he comes home, he finds that his girlfriend has moved on – and gotten pregnant by another man.
Quinn was devastated when Rock left her when he went pro. Although she made a bad choice in men, she wound up with the best thing in her life – her son Max. She’s raised Max on her own for the past eight years, his father denying paternity and leaving town almost immediately after he was born, she knows that she can stand on her own and doesn’t need to rely on any man to support her.
When Rock comes home to recuperate after a bad injury on the ice, it’s the first time since the summer he left that they have spent any time together and it’s almost as if he had never left. What she doesn’t expect is how much Rock seems to care for Max. He listens to her son, takes an interest in what makes him tick, and wants what’s best for him.
When Max’s father makes a sudden reappearance in their lives, Rock has a hard decision to make. Does he stand his ground and continue his relationship with Quinn or step aside to give Max what he’s always wanted: a family with his real father?
Both Rock and Quinn’s characters are complex and well-written. I like the way the writer incorporates Max and his feelings into the main aspect of the story.
Avid Reader –
M/F Romance
Rock was young and impulsive when he decided to leave his longtime girlfriend for the big leagues of hockey. He knew that he wanted to pursue that and also knew what that would entail… travel, girls, fame, and fortune. What he didn’t realize was how much he was going to miss Quinn. She was the love of his life and despite his impulsivity, I think deep down, he thought she might wait for him. When he learns that she didn’t, he throws himself into his career. When he’s injured, he heads home to heal and reconnect.
Quinn has always loved Rock. When he chose hockey over her, she was devastated. Despite making some less than ideal choices in friends and men, she wound up with Max. He is a smart, energetic kiddo who loves his family, but misses not having a father. Quinn wants to make sure Max has the life he’s always dreamed about, but at what cost?
When Quinn and Rock reconnect, Quinn realizes how much Rock has grown up. He truly listens to her and to Max. He’s genuine and really wants to show Quinn that he wants her and Max in his life. When Max’s father comes back into the picture, it threatens to break apart Rock and Quinn’s tenuous connection. Can Rock truly walk away? Can Quinn let him?
I think my biggest complaint about this was the ending. It was very abrupt for me. However, overall, this was an enjoyable story and I really liked the secondary characters.
Ruthie –
As a fan of books about sexy cowboys and sports romances this definitely hits the spot. Whilst the sport is not current, it has affected the whole of Rock’s life, and in all honesty, Quinn’s too.
This second chance romance, between two neighbours who grew up together and then split as Rock went off the play hockey, ultimately for the NHL, is beautifully done. There are plenty of funny moments, most especially when Rock catches someone sneaking out of the Rivers’ house at the same time as him, some very cute ones involving Rock and Max, and some sad ones, also involving Max.
As we discover, these two have never really stopped loving each other, they have just made the best they could with what they’ve had. So it is easy to see the chemistry reignite, even if they don’t communicate very well about the long term. Thankfully Ms. Marts has a plan up her sleeve, and we get the story we desire, although right up to the wire.
I am looking forward to future installments of this series, and hopefully a catch up with this new family unit.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Caught Up in a Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #1) by Jennie Marts to read and review.
I think that Rockford James, in Jennie Marts newest Caught Up in a Cowboy, is my new favorite hockey player. While he is pictured as a cowboy on the cover, I fell in love with his hockey side fast. Marts easy writing style had me captured from the first page. Rock and Quinn are a fun, second chance couple that kept me turning pages. There were a couple points that I wanted Quinn and Rock just to talk to each other, but Marts doesn’t draw those moments out. I am completely hooked on this series and can’t wait for the next installment.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
Caught Up in a Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence Book 1) by Jennie Marts. This is Rockford “Rock” James and Quinn Rivers’ story.
Rock and Quinn’s story was a wonderful and emotional ride. I fell in love with Rock and Quinn’s characters. The supporting characters were great too. Rock walked away years ago from Quinn and broke her heart. He is back home recovering from a hockey injury. Will Rock and Quinn be able to overcome the hurts from their past and find happiness?
I really enjoyed Rock and Quinn’s story and laughed and cried right along with them. There were times that I wanted to knock some sense into Rock and Quinn and tell them to tell each other how they felt! In the end they figured out what was most important to them. I loved the ending and look forward to reading the next book in this series.
FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Rockford and Quinn have stolen my heart. If there is hilarious banter, I’m a goner. Right from the beginning I was chuckling and smiling along at their easy going nature. Sure, it had mixed emotions mixed in. Uncertainty in Quinn, after all, Rock had left her before for a hockey career he seems to still be very much in love with. He has anger about his injury. She has a son by another man. Suspense gets added. It’s all over the place but I really enjoyed how they grow back to each other because there is growing on all their parts. It ends in a possible cliffhanger? Like it could end but it could continue?
I’m a bit of an anomoly in that cowboy heroes are a bit hit or miss for me, but because this hero was also a professional hockey player, I figured it was worth the risk. And I was right! Caught Up in a Cowboy was my first read by this author, and I was completely charmed by the easy writing style, and the engaging storytelling.
I connected with Rock and Quinn quickly – it was almost impossible not to with that fun, quirky, and adorable opening scene. As far as second chance romances go, the chemistry in this one was spot on and I completely adored watching Rock win back his woman…and her son. Because hot hockey hero + adorable little boy? Y’all I am powerless against that combo.
I did get a little exasperated with the conflict in this one. I felt like the same issue kept repeating itself for a period of time and I was frustrated by the lack of communication or fight between Quinn and Rock. It felt a little predictable and it went on just a smidge too long for my taste, but luckily it in no way impinged upon my enjoyment of the inevitable happily ever after. I got all the swoon I was looking for, and so it was completely worth the bumpy ride.
In all, I was wholly satisfied with this sweet little love story. If it is the first in a new series, I will definitely be back for more!
Rock gave up on his past to score a brighter future. Quinn was a casualty of his pride, that left him with a ton of regret and her with a broken heart. But circumstances change and so do people. Will the maturity he lacked in the past, help him regain the heart he desires most? How do you mend a broken heart? By proving you deserve a second chance. Ms. Marts tickles the funny bone as she sets out to warm the heart. Caught up in a Cowboy shows the value of forgiveness and the healing power of love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I also purchased a copy.
Up happens when you make a decision when you are a teenager and it turns out to be a selfish one? That is what this book explores. Rockford James gave up the love of his love to explore his dream of the big life of hockey. Quinn turns the tables and has a one-night stand that ends up with an unexpected pregnancy. This is the story of two people meeting up again and overcoming the past while loving a beautiful little boy Max. This was a heart-warming story. There was a few inconsistencies that should have been caught in editing that threw me off. One was how Quinn’s dad was to cheap to put in a dishwasher but then Quinn loads the said non-existent appliance with dishes. Also there were a few sentences where a word was missing and I would have to figure it out. A story like this one should have been edited better.
A mix of a sports story with a cowboy country setting. Rockford James is a cowboy at heart, having grown up in a little town, on a farm, with a steady girl until his dream of playing professional hockey comes true. He leaves the little town, the farm, and his steady girl to follow that dream. Young Rock plans to live the high life and never look back. What he doesn’t plan is to leave his heart back home.
Quinn is that small town girl that loved Rock with all she had until he left her behind. Wanting to prove she can move on without him she meets a bad boy and has a son. But she has never let her heart heal from Rock breaking it. Then he comes back to the little town to heal from an injury. She steels her heart against him but first loves have a way of breaking through that steel.
This book was so much fun. It has romance, family drama, and amazing characters. I love Rock’s mom and how she steps in to be Quinn’s mom when she needs an ear or advice. Quinn’s dad is a grizzly bear with a tender heart. The brother’s of both Rock and Quinn are so true to how brothers should be. Rock’s egging him on, Quinn’s being extra protective.
Caught Up in a Cowboy is the perfect book to fall into. I definitely recommend picking up your own copy.
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. Loved the banter and how strong the characters all were. The broken heart Quinn had to mend and how much Rock had matured to admit his one big mistake. Lovable Max to bring happy and fun moments together for both families. You cannot go wrong in picking this book up.
After being on the receiving end of a cheap shot on the ice Rockford James heads home to the family ranch to heal and get his mind right… and possibly re-unite with the woman who stole a piece of his heart years ago. But that maybe easier said than done, since he chose his love for hockey over his love for her, and it broke her heart, and ruined their friendship. Minutes after arriving in town he comes face to face with his girl, when he spots her alongside the road, pedaling a child’s bicycle, in a pirates costume… he knows there is a good story there, and if he is lucky maybe she will enlighten him!
Through the years Quinn Rivers has secretly kept tabs on the man who owns a part of her heart, the day he left her and their impending future for a career on the ice she was heartbroken, and unsure she’d ever be able to forgive him for it. But when he shows up back in town, ready to mend fences, and steps up to play a pirate for the day, her resolve starts to slip a little, and forgiving him doesn’t seem so far off. He wants to rekindle their friendship, and maybe more, but she has her reservations about the “more” part!
Caught Up in a Cowboy is a delightful second chance love story that is destined to melt the hearts of romance readers, with it’s heartfelt and humorous story line you just can’t go wrong with this one! From the first page Ms. Mart’s endearing characters will lure you in, and have you completely mesmerized, they are a can’t miss duo! Their banter will have you giggling, their intimate moments will make you blush, and their tender moments will have you fighting back the tears… and it’s all downright amazing! Quite an impressive start to a new series, it had everything I look for a in a romance story, and so much more, now I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one. Highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed.
Jennie Marts has given her fans another terrific book. Rockford James is an NHL star on medical leave. A cheap shot by an opponent has him sitting out with a concussion. He’s come home for the first stay of significant length since he dumped his high school sweetheart. It figures she’d be the first one he’d run into.
Quinn Rivers had her heart smashed, crushed & shattered by Rockford James after he walked away like all of the years & their promises meant nothing. Then she went & got drunk to forget him & ended up pregnant after a one night stand. The only thing good to come out if it was her son. Now Rockford is back & she’s dismayed to realize her feelings haven’t changed. Will he leave her behind again or can they make it this time?
I love these characters! Max is amazing! He added such depth & character to the storyline. Quinn is a strong, sexy mother that is putting concern for her son first. Rockford is a flawed star that has come to realize he screwed up with Quinn & wants to make amends. The plot pulled everything together & took a sharp turn with an unexpected encounter. Another great story from a terrific writer!
I hadn’t read a book by Ms Marts and am so glad I decided to give her a try. Because I absolutely loved this story.
The book centers around Rockford/Rock James and Quinn Rivers.
These two were best friends in their childhood and later sweethearts in HS. When he gets a scholarship and a chance to play hockey , he leaves Quinn behind thinking she wouldn’t want to leave town . Quinn is left heartbroken and after a one nightstand with a no good guy, she ends up pregnant.
Now an NHL star, Rock is home recuperating after an injury. Somehow they end up together, thinking to keep it light, since Quinn knows that she will be left once he recovers. But as they get more serious, a person from her past comes back to create problems.
It’s a story about second chances in love and in life. About realizing the priorities in life and giving love as adults another chance. It’s a story about family, hope and forgiveness.
A story that is engaging , with complex characters and promises of many more great stories in this series.
I was gifted this ARC copy by Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca. The opinions expressed are solely my own.