“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
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The beauty and the beast trope is perfect for this story. Both Zane and Bryn learn to let go of the past even as they build a future. If that doesn’t entice you, read it just for the pig.
4.5 stars
Zane comes back to help his father after a heart attack where he is helping out on his friends ranch, as he is known as the horse whisper. Bryn’s car stops working again and gets a ride from Zane to work where they get tangled into rescuing a horse. You can feel the chemistry even with Zane worried he is not good enough. It has some light steam. It does take a bit to get into and wish the front end had a bit more romance in it but overall good story.
This was my first Marts’ book and need to go back and read her other series that is based in this small Co town as well. Can’t wait to see what else is in store for this series and the horse rescue! It’s very feel good and happy writing with some drama.
Overall, 4 stars and 3 steam.
A Cowboy State of Mind is book one in the brand new series, Creedence Horse Rescue, by Jennie Marts. It’s no secret that I adore a sexy cowboy romance. And this book most definitely did not disappoint. And then there’s the cover! I couldn’t resist!
Bryn Callahan is a waitress at the local diner in Creedence, Colorado, and lives on her grandparents’ ranch that she inherited from them. Bryn is one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet, always trying to find the good in people. But sometimes, the good just isn’t there, as she found out with the last man she dated who robbed her blind and ran off. So Bryn is determined to only date safe men who will treat her right. It seems her heart isn’t in on this new resolve, though, because every time a certain sexy cowboy comes around, her heart speeds up, and butterflies take flight.
“There was something about this man, something that reached into her gut and drew her toward him. He was like gravity, and she seemed unable to resist his pull.”
Zane Taylor left his dark past behind when he put Creedence in his rearview mirror years ago. But he felt obligated to come back after his father’s heart attack, even though the man was never much of a father to him. He was the reason Zane had left.
Zane had been avoiding Bryn for months. She was all sunshine and light and he was like a walking dark cloud. But when he finds her with a broken down car on the side of the road, it sets off a series of events that ties them together.
Zane and Bryn find themselves in possession of a starved horse. Bryn has the perfect place to take care of her. All she needs is love and nourishment. She never thought she would be going into the animal rescue business but when word gets around that she rescued the horse, she starts attracting a crazy menagerie of other animals, all equally in bad shape, just needing love and care, a place to call home.
As Zane and Bryn care for the animals, their resolve to keep their relationship friends only weakens. They can’t resist the chemistry between them. But Zane has never had any intentions of staying in Creedence. He knows he can’t be the man Bryn deserves. He’s a broken cowboy. She deserves so much more.
“The fallin’ is easy, darlin’. It’s the jumpin’ that takes the strength of will.”
This was such a sweet, fun and beautiful story. I loved Bryn and Zane so much. They needed and were perfect for each other. Zane just had to learn that his worth was so much more than he gave himself credit for. Bryn was the perfect one to teach him this. The animals were all so much fun. I adore this ranch and what Zane and Bryn turned it in to. I also loved the secondary characters, especially Bryn’s friend, Elle. I so hope we’ll get to see her in a future book. I can’t recommend this enough. The ending was perfect. When you close the book after the final page, you can’t help but have a huge smile on your face. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this series!
Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of A Cowboy State of Mind by Jennie Marts for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. My opinions are my own and no one has influenced them.
A Cowboy State of Mind is a well written western romance with an adorable heroine. The pacing kept me engaged from the beginning to the end. Ms. Marts gave me just enough description without going too far.
Bryn Callahan’s character is tender-hearted and is determined to save abandoned animals to the point that she does it when she will struggle meeting her own basic needs. When she meets Zane Taylor, the horse whisperer, the sparks fly. But, he doesn’t meet her new criteria because he’s known as a bad boy.
Zane Taylor is a tortured hero and believes he doesn’t deserve to have a well-respected woman like Bryn and pushes her away quite ruthlessly. At times, I became extremely frustrated with him because he was cruel to the kind-hearted Bryn. That didn’t sit well with me.
The romance between Bryn and Zane is a rocky road with a great many highs and lows, too many for me. I understand Zane’s poor self-esteem, but he carries his rejection way too far. If I had been Bryn, I would have kicked him to the curb and never looked back. Their romance just didn’t work for me.
If you enjoy western romances with brooding heroes and sweet natured heroine, then A Cowboy State of Mind may work very well for you. Since I’ve read other novels by Ms. Marts and thoroughly enjoyed them, I will consider reading the next one in this series when it comes out. Happy reading!
I loved this book and was excited to return to Creedence with Jennie Marts. This story has one of my all time favorite hero types. Rough rugged cowboy who is just a little bit broken. Zane stole my heart right away. Zane and Bryn have both sworn off love but they are drawn to each other. Throw in their love for animals and determination to save them and you have a perfect pair. Don’t miss this book, I highly recommend it.
This book delivers a solid one-two punch right to your heart. This is a slow burn, heartfelt romance. Zane and Bryn’s story inspires lots of emotions as things unfold. Zane’s painful and tragic past made my heart hurt for him. Bryn is his polar opposite in so many ways but she to has her own emotional baggage. I loved these two together and I enjoyed watching them learn to open up to the other and the personal growth they had to go through. I did have a couple of pet peeves with this book. The most important being that I so wish that at some point Zane sought some professional help. Not every issue you have can be fixed by finding love and considering his history, I really think it would have not only served this character and couple well to see proactively deal with his issues, but it would have let the author send an important message about mental health. This is my impartial, independent review.
Zane and Bryn have known each other since grade school and his past is in no way good – due to his abusive father’s health problems he is back in town and doing what he loves – when he sees a horse in obvious distress he does what he can to help Bryn buy it – this is another great story to read! I received a netgalley copy!
This was an absolutely great read, Bryn cares for how people treat others and not how they look while Zane feels like he isn’t worthy of much let alone the beautiful and big hearted Bryn, lucky for him due to one good dead he and Bryn are getting to spend a lot of time together which leads to plenty of laughs, sweet times, a splash of sadness, cute and crazy animals along with Bryn and Zane getting to know each other and causing some frustrating times all round. But both need to work out what do they want in life and most of all Zane needs to realise his past doesn’t define him and he is a good man worthy of being loved and loving someone. I look forward to more great reading with this series and excited to see what happens next!!
I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.
Bryn is a friendly, perky waitress with a heart of gold. Her soft heart leads her to try to rescue people & animals & usually leads her into trouble. After her last disaster of a relationship, she’s determined only to see solid, healthy good guys. So why does she strike sparks with damaged horse whisperer Zane.
Zane has a way with the rough, damaged animals. He can get through to them when no one else can. He’s determined not to settle down with anyone and expose them to his issues. He can’t figure out why he’s so attracted to Bryn. He wouldn’t be any good for her.
I really enjoyed the attraction between these two. The characters are fully developed & the personalities show through the writing. Bryn brings out the softer side of Zane that he thought was damaged forever. They both enjoy rescuing animals & that was a big part of this story. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!
Zane and Bryn like each other but are afraid to make the first move. Opportunity knocks when an abused horse needs recusing. As they fall in love Zane keeps pulling back. He has been abused by his Father all his life and doesn’t think that he is good enough for Bryn. Can she prevail?
This is my first time treading a Jennie Marts book. Looking forward to many more.
This book will tug on your heartstrings from the very beginning. Bryn Callahna has a heart made of gold. She hasn’t met anything that she wouldn’t help, including people. Zane Taylor is a broken man but he is a horse whisperer. From the moment they see the horse in that trailer, they were going to do whatever they could to rescue it. Together they start on this journey of saving animals. Zane starts to feel like he is able to move beyond his past. A reckless driver changes everything. He is ready to walk away from all the people he loves and cares about. But the good doc gives him some words of wisdom. With Hope’s help, he is ready to claim his future.
A COWBOY STATE OF MIND is the first book in the CREEDENCE HORSE RESCUE series, and it pulled me in from the very first page. I was drawn to the rescues of not only animals but people too. This is a quick-paced read with a lot of interwoven story lines. It’s a steamy, heartfelt romance between two well-matched characters.
Bryn has such a big heart, even if she doesn’t always have the money to back up her plans. But the people in the small town of Creedence, Colorado like her and try to help her out whenever they can. Bryn’s friendship with Elle also adds another layer to the story, fleshing out Bryn’s character.
Zane had a difficult childhood, and the abuse continues thanks to his dad. Every now and then Zane’s father seems almost caring, but then alcohol ruins it. Zane has low self esteem. He doesn’t see a future with anyone since he feels broken and has the scars to prove it. Yet despite that, he always helps others, especially Bryn and his nameless dog. Bryn has a way of opening him to possibilities. She seems to have that effect on others.
The characters and plot work well. The author’s descriptions are vivid, including the animals and the farm, and especially the abuse the animals suffer, as well as the care to get them well. There are characters we’ve met before from the COWBOYS OF CREEDENCE series, which is connected to this new series.But again, the book reads just fine on its own.
I didn’t realize that Ms. Marts also writes a cozy mystery series along with her contemporary romances. I have added a few more of her books to my always growing TBR pile.
A Cowboy State of Mind is the first book in the Creedence Horse Rescue series. It is a heartwarming story about two flawed people coming together to save a horse that end up saving each other. The character driven storyline pulled me in and kept my attention until the end. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I think cowboy romances are my favorites trope. I prefer them to a billionaire, military, or MC.
Zane is no different. He may be rough-ish on the outside but he is so soft and swoony on the inside.
He’s been through hell and yet, it doesn’t change his disposition in life. He is kind and sweet.
His love and care of animals just make him dreamier and swoonier.
I liked Bryn.
She’s had a tough time with love but now that Zane’s in the picture it sure changes.
Their story is emotional and funny.
I loved it and can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
#netgalley
A Cowboy State of Mind by Jennie Marts is a terrific book, part of a series, featuring Zane Taylor as he fights his attraction to local waitress and soft-touch, Bryn Callahan. Zane grew up in this town with his drunken father and got away as soon as he could, if one could consider the service away. His father had a heart attack and so Zane was here to help, only that. Not to adopt a dog. Not to fall in love. By the way, the dog adopted Zane. He didn’t give her a name. She was not his. One day while he was driving down the road, he noticed Bryn’s car, then Bryn and her dog walking toward town. He stopped to pick her up because he could. He was heading her way, after all. In the parking lot of a diner was a ratty old horse trailer with a ratty old horse inside that had an infected eye. Nothing they could do, but through a series of missteps, soon Bryn was buying the horse, using the $100 Zane had left as a tip so she could buy him. And before you knew it, Zane and Bryn were walking the horse the two miles to her farm. Bryn was a rescuer of broken things.
Zane is a great character: the typical distant, damaged man. Taciturn. Competent. Deeply caring, but afraid to show it. He was the epitome of the strong, silent type. Bryn couldn’t be more opposite. She was light-hearted, always happy, friends with everyone. She has a heart as big as all outdoors and wouldn’t turn an animal in need away, no matter what the circumstance. He couldn’t resist her. This was one terrific romance, so much so that I had to buy more. I didn’t regret it. Good characters, good plot, good read. I recommend it.
I was invited to read an ARC of A Cowboy State of Mind by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #acowboystateofmind
*4.5 stars*
Low drama with all the feels…
A brand new series about cowboys, love and rescued animals? Plus written by an author who does these topics exceptionally well? I was so in!
Animal abuse a big part of Zane and Bryn’s courtship and gave them many opportunities to meet and learn more about each other. Even as Zane struggled with his sense of self-worth, he still was confident and capable as he supported Bryn on her unexpected new path… Bryn had her own obstacles to deal with, family was never easy, but her growing feelings for Zane was the best thing to happen to her…
Zane and Bryn’s courtship was full of love, acceptance and humour. The two were sweet together, having each other’s back whenever needed… Their story had all the warmth and emotion I could have asked for and the best thing at the end? Knowing it was just the start of a new series!
*Reviewed for 1-Click Addict Support Group
**Thank you to NetGalley
This book is the beginning of a new series for Jennie Marts. If you are looking for a small town, sweet slow burn romance look no further. Wonderful characters with great chemistry, and a countryside full of animals.
Bryn is a sweet girl with a heart of gold, always trying to help someone else out when she could maybe be the one needing help a little more. Happy with her life in her small town, waiting tables at the diner just trying hard to make ends meet. Doing her best to keep the family farm now that her parents are gone. Never in a million years did she see herself starting a horse rescue farm but she just couldn’t stand to see that poor horse in distress and know it was headed for death.
Zane has struggled most of his life, growing in an abusive home. Thinking he found love young only to have it ripped away from him by death. Convinced that he is no good for anyone he has kept everyone at arms length. Not staying in one place for too long. With his dad not well, he finds himself back in his home town helping to care for the old man. He wasn’t expecting Bryn or the draw to her that he can’t seem to hold back. Seeing she was struggling, he steps up to help her where he can.
Neither Bryn or Zane were looking for love. But the more time they spend together the more the see grows. Will Zane let go of his past and give this a chance? Can Bryn convince him that he is worth the risk?
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.***
A Cowboy State of Mind wasn’t what I was expecting when I read the blurb. Although it never specifically calls him a bad boy, I thought Zane would be a little bit rougher around the edges than he was. Yes, a tough childhood has made him wary of mostly everyone but horses, but this cowboy had a squishy, marshmallow center that spoke to me. But, he also frustrated me.
Actually, the same goes for Bryn. She’s as sweet as pie and her willingness to rescue all manner of abused and needy animals warmed my heart. But she needed to grow a backbone and not let people walk all over her. In that way, Bryn and Zane are perfect for each other. Neither thinks they are good enough for or deserving of the other, which can get tedious at times. The feed each other’s souls, though, which made me a fan.
This was an easy, enjoyable story, like most of the Jennie Marts books I’ve had the pleasure of reading. I can’t wait for the next one.
Jennie Marts sets this amazing book in the backdrop of Creedence, Colorado. In previous books we have met the characters of Bryn Callahan and Zane Taylor but this is their story. Zane is hard man who has been broken by life but his insides flutter at the site of one Bryn Callahan. Bryn has a hope and a prayer attitude that is positive. Her and Zane end up saving one horse and Bryn’s farm turns into an unusual animal rescue. Zane’s past is making him want to run – can Bryns love and understand keep that from happening.