“Funny, complicated, and irresistible.”—JODI THOMAS, New York Times bestselling author for Caught Up in a Cowboy
The town of Creedence, Colorado gets involved in horse rescue in bestseller Jennie Marts’ brilliant new series
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 … 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…
The Cowboys of Creedence Series:
Caught Up in a Cowboy (Book 1)
You Had Me at Cowboy (Book 2)
It Started with a Cowboy (Book 3)
Wish Upon a Cowboy (Book 4)
Creedence Horse Rescue Series:
A Cowboy State of Mind (Book 1)
Praise for Caught Up in a Cowboy:
“An appealing story of love rediscovered… enjoy this tender tale.”—Publishers Weekly
“Chemistry so electric it flies off the page.”—RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
“Full of exquisite heat and passion… an enthralling combination of intense moments, playful banter and great depth of emotion.”—Harlequin Junkie for Caught Up in a Cowboy
more
Jennie Marts always writes books that make me cry and laugh and then clap for the happy ending. This first book in her new Creedence Horse Rescue series is one of my favorites of all of her books. A heroine you will adore and a hero to fall in love with and lots and lots of rescue animals. It’s a touching love story between two wounded people who find each other when they tend to wounded animals. It’s charming and funny and simply wonderful. It’s one of my favorites.
I adore this series almost as much as I adore the author. I want to live in the town Jennie Marts has created. This is such a wonderful and heartfelt story. Highly recommend.
This was a good read for me. The writing flowed well, as it always does with this author. I liked Zane and Bryn together, and thought they had great chemistry. I had my problems with both though. Bryn was a pushover for most of the story. I don’t mean with taking in the animals, but especially with her brother. I just wanted to shake her and tell her he was a grown man who should have to take care of himself. She finally stands up for herself, but only after finding him stealing from her. Zane needed some therapy, or at least to talk to someone. His dad was a horrible person, and he was actually taking care of him. I’m all for helping family, but sometimes you just need to get people out of your life. I was happy to see Zane find out that the guilt he’d been carrying for years was misplaced, and for him to realize that he did deserve love. The ending was great and perfect for these 2. The only thing I would have liked would have been an epilogue. I love seeing how the couples end up.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I also purchased a copy as I LOVED it!
I would love to give this more than 5 stars if I could. What a great way to start off a new series (and also be a spin off of Cowboys of Creedence!) Characters of the Cowboy of Creedence made appearances especially Logan but you don’t have to read that series to enjoy this book. I adored Zane Taylor. What can I say he’s a cowboy and a hot one at that. The character has a scar from his eye to this cheek (the model on the cover doesn’t but his is oh so drool-worthy!) I kept going to stare at the cover while reading this. I LOVE COWBOYS!
Zane has had a rough life. He is the son of the town’s drunk. His mother died giving birth to him and it is something that his father won’t let him forget either. Instead of going to college, he joined the military and spent time in Afghanistan before getting shot and sent back to the states. When his father has a heart-attack, Zane leaves his job in Montana and comes home to Creedence. There is Bryn Callahan. She is the town’s sweetheart. She is a waitress at the local diner and a rescuer of all things broken. Her story is heart-wrenching but she has picked herself up by the boot strap and made things worked.
These two characters are falling in love and striking sparks off of each other. Add in the miscommunication, several horses, dogs, a hog (erm pig….), a goat and you have the makings of the beginning of a rescue ranch. The author did a fabulous job of keeping the story going and keeping me glued to my e-reader. I never knew what was coming around the corner (okay, okay the next page) for these two.
There is a “bedroom” scene but it was written in such a way that it was HIGHLY glossed over and more of a fade to black than descriptive details of the act. If you love an angsty cowboy romance like I do, than I would highly recommend this to you (IF YOU ARE OVER 18 – AS I DON’T WANT TO OFFEND ANY PARENTS OF CHILDREN.)
‘A Cowboy State of Mind‘ begins the ‘Creedence Horse Rescue‘ series, which has a connection to ‘The Cowboys of Creedence‘ series. I happen to be a reader who loves series with connections, it makes the world I’m stepping back into more realistic, and gives me a sense of community which always heightens my enjoyment of any series, no matter the genre. Do you have to have read the earlier series to enjoy this one? No, of course not. Each is their own little world that connects to the larger universe of Creedence. Although, if you can I would certainly recommend ‘The Cowboys of Creedence‘ for it’s an amazing series, in my opinion. (and we may have some cameo appearances by those cowboys at some point)
I’ve fallen in love with this new series at the first book – and I expect a long term relationship with the rest of the series. This story is so good, so realistic that it was easy to fall back into this world with Zane and Bryn. We met them briefly in the previous series, but if you haven’t read ‘The Cowboys of Creedence‘ series do not worry – you’ve missed nothing of their background or story, simply an introduction of secondary characters at that time.
Zane has returned, reluctantly, to Creedence after his father took ill. Why considering how awful a father he’d been and Zane still carries the physical and emotional scars, he felt that need is part of what makes Zane a far better man than the one who sired him. Bryn is a kindhearted soul who would do anything to help anyone, human or animal, and it has cost her in the past. She’s striving to reach a dream and it’s necessary to work double hard because of that kindness to do so, but she will, she has the guts and grits to do anything she desires.
On the surface, they may seem like an unusual couple because of their very different outlooks on life, but at their cores are good people who deserve happiness, even if Bryn has to work hard to get Zane to understand that.
I think I fell in love with the menagerie of animals that made their way, in several fashions, onto Bryn’s ranch which is turning into a Rescue Ranch almost as much as I enjoyed Zane and Bryn’s journey to a happy ending. Almost. I’m definitely looking forward to a return trip in March of 2021 for the release of ‘When A Cowboy Loves A Woman‘ – for more romance, of course, but hopefully running into these delightful animal characters once more as well.
I had such a good time with ‘A Cowboy State of Mind’. It’s realistic, believable, with characters I rooted for from the start to get their acts together and admit their attraction. The animals were a bonus, but I definitely cried a bit at how they’d been treated before ending up at Bryn’s ranch. This is a story that will tug at your emotions, add a few twists, intriguing secondary characters, and a love that was meant to be. I had a blast back in Creedence and if you love a really good love story (and cowboys with animals) then you will, too.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Oh, what a heart-breaking background story of the hero, Zane. I started rooting for his HEA right away.
Local diner waitress, Bryn, has her own problems too, but the couple find their way to happiness through a horse rescue. I enjoy reading cowboy romance and Jennie Marts delivers a fine story!
As with all the other books I’ve read by Jennie. Marts, this one nudged a place in my heart. From the beginning, as she set up her characters, you could see this was a story that was going to tug the ole heartstrings. I am enamored of people who take care of animals (I cry at SPCA commercials on TV). I LOVE books with a HEA and this one has both. Good job, Ms. Marts, keep up the good work. I know you’ve got Brody’s story coming…
This book was gifted to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Zane Taylor is back in Creedence, Colorado due to his father having a heart attack. A father, who not only is abusive, but made sure that Zane knew how worthless he is. Zane has found solace in working with horses, which serves his purposes to avoid human interaction as much as possible. Zane isn’t just scarred on the inside, he’s scarred on the outside too. His father’s message hammered into his head, since a child has taken root.
Bryn Callahan, a waitress, who has a heart of gold. She and her brother, Buck, were left by their mother and raised by their grandparents. Now, all she has is her brother, and her grandparents’ farm. Bryn feels a need to care for the neglected, which has brought her nothing but grief where humans are concerned. Her last boyfriend up and deserted her taking her possessions. She vows not to get involved with another man, who isn’t nice and safe.
When Zane finds Bryn’s broken down car and her not far away walking, he gives her a lift to work. It is there that they see a horse trailer, sporting a very sad neglected looking horse inside. When Bryn zeros in on the owners of the horse trailer, and learns that the horse is going to be discarded; she doesn’t think, just offers to buy the horse. The problem is, the men don’t think a free meal is worthy enough, and want money that Bryn doesn’t have. Zane overhears and leaves her a huge tip, enough to buy the horse.
With Zane’s help they get the horse to Bryn’s farm, and discover they bought more than just a horse. While Bryn worries how she’s going to afford feed for the horse, word gets out and the town comes together for one of its own.
Things really take off, when an article with photos goes to social media. Soon, Bryn finds she can’t say no to more and more animals.
Meanwhile, Zane keeps fighting his attraction to Bryn, which he’s losing. He does what he feels is best, pushes her away because she deserves someone better than him!
Where Zane has absorbed that he is not worthy and justifies the reasoning, Bryn has to learn to stand up for herself so she isn’t taken advantage of. This is such an amazing story of two people with scars and insecurities, who tackle life the best way they know how. Bryn can’t make Zane see that he is more than he gives himself credit for, but it’s Zane that has to come to the realization with a little help from someone in the past, that puts him in a clearer frame of mind. The animals are a hoot! Otis the goat, that ate Zane’s shirt. Tiny, the dainty hog-er, pig! Shamus, the miniature horse, and the rest!
A wonderful, humorous, sweet romance that’ll have you cheering for Zane and Bryn!
I received an ARC from NetGalley via SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
I adore a good contemporary cowboy romance and Jennie Marts always delivers. Reading her stories makes you feel like you are walking the dusty roads or fields right alongside the characters. In her new romance, A Cowboy State of Mind, Cowboy Zane Taylor & sweet Bryn Callahan gain the strength to put aside the past & find a love worth fighting for.
Marts puts the reader right into the action, learning how things have been smoldering between scarred veteran Zane and town sweetheart Bryn for months. When tenderhearted Brynn buys a horse from a pair of drifters, cowboy (& horse whisperer) Zane ends up helping her and she falls into starting an animal rescue farm.
Zane and Bryn start off at different points in their lives. She wants to settle down. He is looking to get out of town and away from the bad memories of abusive father and return to his old job in Montana. A miserable youth and rough deployment has left him somewhat shattered and convinced he is undeserving of love. Bryn is a rescuer of animals and people. She sees past Zane’s wicked, disfiguring scar to the heart of the man & learns some things about her own resilience.
A Cowboy State of Mind is simply, deliciously sheer perfection. Sexy cowboy, compelling characters, and a great story.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and provide my honest review of this story.
I love cowboys, hot ones, tough ones, cocky ones, and broken ones too. As long as they abide by the cowboy code to give me that wistful sigh!
Zane thinks he’s broken, and why wouldn’t he, his sperm donor beat it into him all his young life. He doesn’t think he’s worthy of a woman, a good woman, especially an amazing woman like Bryn.
Bryn of the big heart, sees right through to Zane’s goodness, now it’s up to her to make him see it also. In the meantime, they end up with a Horse (any creature really) rescue ranch, or Bryn does, with Zane’s help. Bryn just can’t say no, and all the animals do need her. This is the pure goodness part of this journey, always love fur babies or feather babies, or even wiry hair bristled babies in the journeys.
Life happens, Zane gets scared of lovin’ and losin’, and is ready to head out, bolt really. A chain of events leading to a happy ending gave me a contented happy sigh.
This was a bit slow for me in places, when I could easily put the book down. None the less, a very good read to make your own heart melt. A bit of heat, low drama, witty banter, and a feeling of real to it! The HEA was stageworthy!
I received an ARC through NetGalley and am giving my honest review voluntarily.
I loved this book. It has a wonderful theme of a man that thinks he is too damaged to find self worth and love, finding his perfect mate in a woman with a huge, open heart. The characters definitely made this book special to me. The author did a fantastic job of making them believable and memorable. Also very unique to this story is the collection of various animals that will steal a bit of your heart.
I enjoyed reading this book, especially at this time, while the world is suffering from COVID19. It was such a pleasure to escape into the town of Creedence, Colorado and forget real life for a while.
I want to thank NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy. My review is my own opinion not influenced by receiving the ARC.
This one has ALL the feels. If you don’t shed a tear or more as you read you must be missing something.
A broken hero you will cheer for, and occasionally want to slap, (then kiss and make feel better.)
A big hearted heroine who is sweeter than any treat from her diner.
And oh the animals will steal your heart!
Your emotions will foll up and down and they rescue animals, chase a bad guy, and everyone has emotional growth. What a begging to a series you can’t put down!
A Cowboy State of Mind was an amazing start to a new contemporary romance series featuring a wonderful group of characters.
Bryn Callahan had no intention of starting a horse rescue, but then she unexpectedly finds herself the owner of several abandoned horses. Knowing she needs help, she turns to Zane Taylor who has a gift when it comes to horses. Zane may have the knowledge Bryn needs to care for her new animals, but he has spent months avoiding Bryn and the growing attraction he feels for her. As Bryn and Zane work together on the ranch they realize they may be able to save more than just the horses, they can rescue each other.
Zane’s life growing up was far from a good one, with an abusive father for his only family. Learning Zane’s backstory was heartbreaking and helped show why he distances himself from love. His work with horses is the one thing Zane feels is good in his life and his connection to them is truly amazing to see. Bryn has always been the girl who helps those in need and as a result she has found herself taken advantage of multiple times. It was frustrating watching Bryn let her brother walk all over her, so I was incredibly happy when she finally stood up for herself and laid down new ground rules. Plus the scene where she gives her ex his comeuppance was fantastic to watch.
Zane and Bryn’s relationship is a bit slow to start but builds into a wonderful romance. Bryn has been hurt before and wants to finally date a nice, easy man which Zane is not. Zane’s past trauma prevents him from jumping into a relationship with Bryn despite his obvious attraction to her. Through the pair’s work with the rescued animals, they develop a great friendship which slowly becomes more. The chemistry between the two is simply fantastic and I loved the scene where they finally advance their relationship. When their relationship does run into problems, I liked that it wasn’t dragged out over an extended period and I thought Zane’s grand gesture at the end was well done.
A Cowboy State of Mind is the start of a spin-off series from the Cowboys of Creedence series, but it works well as a standalone series. A number of the side characters in this series are from the original series and fans of that series would likely enjoy the appearance of past couples.
Overall I really enjoyed A Cowboy State of Mind and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, When a Cowboy Loves a Woman, when it releases next year.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. Love the small town story where everyone knows what kind of a person you are because everyone knows everyone. This one about Zane and his struggles and also Bryn and her struggles. When you add horses and other animals just adds to the story the love for animals.
Sweetly thrilling, sexy, fun and action packed journey filled with engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Was a great read from beginning to end.
Although this is #1 of a new series, the characters were all in the previous series, The Cowboys of Creedence Series. Bryn Callahan has a heart of gold and is a born nurturer, but this has allowed her brother and her last boyfriend to take advantage. She has a 3 legged dog name Lucky, so it is not surprising that she enlists Zane Taylor to help her rescue a mistreated horse. She is very attracted to Zane, but he was abused as a child, still carries the physical and emotional scars and is convinced that everyone he loves or loves him dies, so he tries to push her away from him and onto Veterinarian Brody, a nice guy, widower and father. But the heart knows what it wants and ignores the brain. And then the rescuing snowballs into a menagerie of animals. But she also manages to rescue Zane and widow Elle as they try to help her. This is a beautifully written, heart tugging story with wonderful characters.
I read an ARC from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Jennie Marts’ A Cowboy State Of Mind is the first book of Creedence Horse Rescue series. Zane Taylor has a gift for communicating with animals, particularly horses; however, he is scarred and battered loner who believes he is no good for anyone, even to his dog deserves better. Bryn Callahan has a heart for strays, and an assembly of abandoned animals have found their way to her doorstep. A chance encounter with a horse headed for the slaughter brings Zane and Bryn together, and together they have a chance to save not just the animals, but maybe each other . . .
Jennie Mart creates Zane as a tormented soul and Bryn as someone who sees past Zane’s scars as a good man—if she could only convince him. A Cowboy State of Mind is an unforgettable small-town romance where their relationship takes Zane and Bryn on a wild ride in finding courage to love and overcome their past.
If you like horses, animal rescue, a waitress with a heart of gold and and angsty cowboy then A Cowboy State of Mind is the book for you! I don’t usually read a lot of contemporary westerns but Jennie Marts wrote a very sweet story and even though I know next to nothing about horses to know if it is a factually correct story, It was an enjoyable story. Bryn is the a waitress in Creedence and local loaner Zane has had his eye on her even though he doesn’t feel that he is worthy of her attention. A mistreated horse brings them together but will Zane have the courage to get what he deserves. Together they work at turning Bryn’s small farm into an animal rescue. Bryn was truly the kindest soul and a good balance to the tortured soul of Zane. The farm animals were a so much fun and now I am curious to read some of her previous books. So without giving away the story I will tell you that this was sweet with a bit of heat and told from dual POV. It is the perfect book to spend a lazy weekend reading on the deck!
This is a book that I had a hard time putting down. On appearances, Zane looks like a rugged cowboy but his scars run more more than skin deep. Bren, has such a big heart that get her into trouble at times. But when they team up together to rescue horses and more, they open their hearts to more than just the animal rescues. Zane feels that he is broken and does not deserve to have a HEA but will Bren get through those scars?
Loved this book!! The chemistry that Bryn and Zane is hot off the charts. So many laugh out moments. Plenty of emotions that will tug your heart. Add in the secondary characters, yes I’m talking about the four legged ones, it makes for the perfect read.
This is the first book in the series and I highly recommend it!!
A Cowboy State of Mind is the first book in the Credence Horse Rescue series. The story involves Zane and Bryn as they finally give in to their attraction and find love and home in each other. This was a pretty angsty romance, but overall, I enjoyed it. I really felt bad for Zane. He had lived his entire life thinking he wasn’t worthy of love and that everyone he ever loved left him. His father was the worst! I wanted to shake him until he realized that Bryn was his soft place to fall. Brynn drove me crazy as well until she finally started standing up for herself, especially to her brother. I loved their HEA! I enjoyed the secondary characters as well. I can’t wait to see whose story is next. I hope a certain vet gets his love story soon!