Cover Image: It Started with a Cowboy

It Started with a Cowboy

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Member Reviews

The premise for this book was creative, with Chloe and Colt accidentally running into each other in the most literal sense, and I really liked both of these characters. Colt James is part of a large ranching family that seems to have an endless supply of handsome sons. And not just handsome, but good guys, in their ways. Though they’re cowboys they also love hockey, and Colt’s older brother is a professional hockey player. Colt had his own hockey dreams but an accident put an end to that and, even worse, an end to his confidence.Chloe is one of my favorite heroines I've read in a long time because it was like reading parts of my life when reading her inner struggles.Chloe and Colt's romance was so organic and so sweet.

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Truly loved this story, with a introverted heroine and the man she has a secret crush on, it's a perfect mixture for a fantastic story.

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When a character has experienced shattered dreams it always pulls at my heart strings. Such is the case for Colt James in It Started with a Cowboy by Jennie Marts. The James family has been at the heart of this series with the youngest James getting his HEA. It was hinted at in the last book but now the time has come for him.

The James men are hockey playing cowboys. That is not to activities that I have ever put together; cowboys and rodeos, yes, cowboys and hockey, not really. What do I know I have spent my entire life living in the southern US. It is extremely believable in these books.

Colt’s opportunity to play professional hockey has come and gone thanks to an accident. While he is wary and even cynical at times, Chloe Bishop is pretty irresistible though she would never think so.. He does he best to be around her but not fall, until events lead her to need protection from a real danger.

As always, Jennie Marts writes stories that you fall in love with the characters. There is humor, excitement and drama within the pages of the wonderful story of Colt and Chloe. I have never read a Marts book that I didn’t like. Recommend to all fans of romance.

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IT STARTED WITH A COWBOY is intense, it’s definitely emotional and it’s currently my favorite of the series, so far. Colt and Chloe both have deep-seated issues that have a long, long way to finally be overcome. Facing the past, believing in themselves will be a major part of that journey, for without winning the battle with their inner demons they have little chance for a successful, long-lasting relationship like they both want.

There is a lot of mind dialogue in this story. I understood that it brought out what neither Colt nor Chloe could say out loud at that time, but it is a lot of hearing their thoughts on their unworthiness for the other. That feeling, belief in self-doubt drives this story in many ways for both have a history where that mindset has been firmly placed either by others or by circumstances beyond their control. The thing is if they’d had those conversations out loud with each other instead of in their heads they might have discovered that they are definitely worthy — but that isn’t the drive of this particular story.

My heart ached for them in different ways, and as they come together to solve a problem, take on a youth hockey team and begin to open up to each other and their possibilities that ache turned into a cheering section. It was an emotional, hard-fought journey and I enjoyed every moment of my time spent with this couple and familiar faces from the earlier books. I would not hesitate to recommend IT STARTED WITH A COWBOY or this entire series to any Romance reader.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher 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.*

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Could not help but fall head over heels in love with this beautifully complicated cowboy and his equally intriguing, sexy and fun match made in heaven..... This is a very heart felt, sassy, fun and witty reading experience that had me laughing, crying and all the good feels going... Loved it!

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I give this book 5 stars. The storyline between Colt and Chloe was well written and a great must read book. I whole heartedly recommend this book. This book has great chemistry. I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Readers Copy of this book.

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This book has minor cussing (just one really out of character f-bomb) and some sex, but nothing overly graphic or crass. If those things offend you, these things are easily skipped over.

I really adored this book because Chloe and Colt's romance was so organic and so sweet. Although I started this book at a difficult time in my life which made reading time very difficult to find, I I found myself engrossed in the story from beginning to end and finished this book in two days. I also loved the plot with the neighbor's children (trying not to spoil anything) and Chloe and Colt's entire relationship with them all. Finding characters that are just good people but who are believable can often be sketchy in romance novels, but Ms. Marts absolutely nailed it. She made both characters likable and impossible to root against without making them wishy-washy or unbelievable as real people. Chloe was seriously adorable - she was sweet, unique, and quirky without being a caricature or obnoxious, and Colt was the epitome of a good guy without being too perfect. Heck, even Agatha and Watson were great characters.

Anyone who enjoys a hot cowboy, a quirky teacher, and/or a well-written romance should give this book a read. I highly recommend it.

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I typically LOVE this author, and for the first half of this book, it seemed like this one would be another complete and utter win. It Started with a Cowboy was smart and full of sweet banter. Colt was all dreamy, delicious cowboy and I loved the fact that Chloe wasn't a "typical" romance heroine. However, after a while, I found myself getting increasingly frustrated with the characters—and the pacing of the story. With too much self-doubt and internal monologue added to an ending that screamed to its conclusion, it just didn't quite go the way I wanted it to.

In conclusion: a great beginning and a book worth reading from beginning to end, but not my favorite from this author.

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Loved, loved Colt, I think he is my favorite James brother. Colt is back home and done taking risks until he meets Chloe, an elementary school teacher. Chloe is an introvert and very shy, and has had a secret crush on Colt. Colt is always available and to lend a helping hand but he feels he has a curse in the romance department, but Chloe might just change that.

Whats not to love, Colt is such a giving person and sexy to boot. He is so good with kids too. Chloe has had a terrible past in growing up, but has now come out of her shell with Colt. Loved the humor that Marts has added to the story, had me laughing out many times. Loved the cute cursing!!

This is the third book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book!!

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I loved, loved this book!! I am a huge fan of Ms. Marts writing. In fact, she is one of my few must read authors.
And she hooked me once again with Chloe and Colt's story.
Chloe is one of my favorite heroines I've read in a long time because it was like reading parts of my life when reading her inner struggles, some of her triumphs and most of her decisions made me go, "Yes, girl!!"
Colt is a wonderfully flawed hero who stated more than once he didn't understand women. I am glad he took the time to try and understand Chloe and Chloe let him in.
With each of her books I read I am always amazed how alive and part of the story Ms. Marts makes all of the secondary characters, from the animals to the next door neighbors and the local sheriff (hint, hint on who I want to get their own story next).

I actually highlighted parts of the book (which I have never done for any book unless it was a school assignment) and realized that I am going to have to buy and reread the book because of the advanced copy I was fortunate to read has disappeared from my kindle.

I will warn readers that there were a few places in the story that were triggers for me and may be a trigger for those who are abuse survivors. I still highly recommend this book for you, but remember to take your time and read slow if you need to, like I did.

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Colt and Chloe are endearing characters that pull you in from the beginning. Self doubt is a struggle and it holds them back from sharing their feelings. When Chloe is in danger Colt will do anything to keep her safe. This is an emotionally driven story with a Hea.

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4.5 Stars - Slow and steady like a newborn Colt😍

This is the third book in the series and I really quite enjoyed it! Chloe is a third grade teacher, shy, introvert and basically the quintessential image one would imagine when thinking the word spinster with a cat. When she met Colt a few months back, she was immediately attracted to him but because of her past and her insecurities and her very nature, she says away from him. Colt, much like Chloe, believes he’s cursed because as soon as things start looking up, things start going pear shaped.

An accidental meeting with a snowplow brings these two unlikely characters together. I absolutely fell in love with Chloe’s humour, I felt her turmoil when making decisions and questioning herself and Colt’s motives towards her. A great story and it should not be missed by anyone if you like a introvert teacher who finds herself a hot and sexy cowboy 🤠

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Jennie for my advanced copy for which I leave my honest review😀

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This is the third book is about one of the cowboy brothers, but you can read them in any order. You will fall in love with this whole family. Wonderful characters, romantic plots and a strong story make these books a sure favorite series.
Each of the main characters in this book has self esteem issues to overcome due to past heartaches and emotional turmoil. Each is also secretly crushing on the other.
When fate pulls them together to coach a group of eight year olds on a youth hockey team they have the opportunity to finally talk and get to know one another.
You will swoon, you will smile, you will want to give them a PUSH at times, but you won't want this book to end.

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An incredibly sweet and emotional book about a timid school teacher and one of the towns hunky cowboys. The story of Chloe Bishop and Colton James will leave you feeling emotions from laughing to cheering for them at the end of the book! Kudos to Jennie Marts for such a wonderful book.

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Another well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. This one about Chloe the school teacher who had to build her confidence and just how Colt the cowboy helps her while she helps him as well. A great journey for both. A little unreal at times but easy to follow along.

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“It Started with a Cowboy” was another A+ read by “Jennie Marts” and I’m starting to think that this author is incapable of writing a book that I will not enjoy. I loved this book so much, to the point that it is my favourite book of “Jennie Marts” name to date!! Totally recommend

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Love this naturally formed relationship between Chloe, sweet not-so confident teacher, and Colt, former hockey star turned cowboy. She has issues from her childhood, not unlike the neighbor kids, that she still struggles with daily. Colt is just this honest, thoughtful, helpful man who just happens to have it going on with his looks. Colt is her protector in many ways but most importantly he gives her confidence. An emotional read but many happy moments with the hockey kids, her neighbors and her cat and his dog. It's the third in a series but a standalone, the previous couples are his brothers and their loves, each making a visit periodically. Really enjoyed the entire James family and their friendly quaint little town. My copy was through Netgalley, review voluntarily written.

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It Started With a Cowboy was smile inducing, absolutely adorable and oh so hot. If you aren't familiar with Jennie Marts, she writes romance stories that pull at your heart and make you feel like you're watching a new favorite movie. The story always flows so smoothly and even the side characters are well thought out. And while I have fallen in love with this series, about brothers who are hockey playing cowboys, I have a confession. This easily became my favorite Jennie Marts book!

“What is your type?” He leaned in, just the slightest, the fishing line drawing him closer.
She gazed up at him, her eyes wide. Her lips parted as she inhaled another soft breath, and he imagined how her mouth would taste, how her body would feel if he pulled her against him and crushed her lips with his.


This can definitely be read as a standalone, but if you haven't read Caught Up in a Cowboy or You Had Me at Cowboy, I recommend you do. Each book is about one of the brothers, and you fall more in love with this family as the series progresses. This time around we got to hear from the youngest brother, Colt James. He not only helps out at his family's ranch, but also around town too. And in the last book, we saw him flirting with Chloe Bishop, who is his nephew's teacher.

Something about Chloe Bishop was poking the edges of his heart, as if looking for a soft place to sneak in. And he could feel those rough edges giving in— not breaking, but bending a little each time she offered him a bashful smile.


Ladies, you have to meet Colt James. He was swoon worthy, sexy, charming and I just wanted to steal him out of this book. I loved his friendly, easy-going nature but his past made him cautious. Colt lost the chance to be in the NHL and the girl he loved because of a bad decision. It hurt my heart to see how he viewed himself because of his past actions. Especially since he was one of the good guys. Colt always helped others out and his actions showed how sweet, thoughtful and kind-hearted he was. He deserved someone who would see how wonderful he was and I kept hope that Chloe would be that woman.

He’d picked her up like she weighed nothing , and she’d wanted to cuddle against him, wanted to bury her face in his neck and inhale the scent of his aftershave. Heck, she’d wanted to lick him and claim him as hers.


Chloe Bishop was a sweetheart who lived a quiet life that was filled with teaching, her cat and knitting while binge watching Netflix. She went above and beyond with her students and you could tell she had a heart of gold. But just like Colt, her past made her doubt her worth. I wanted to reach into this story and give her the hugest hug ever and tell her she was enough and deserved love. Especially when she thought Colt was helping her out, just because he was nice, and that was how he treated everyone.

“But I don’t know anything about the rules or how to play. I don’t even know how to score.”
A playful grin covered his face. “I can teach you how to score.”


Life ended up pushing Colt and Chloe together right from the start. And when Chloe agreed to help Colt coach a hockey team of 8 year olds, they were around each other even more. Yet Chloe could be so awkward, since she didn't have a lot of experience with guys. But that didn't matter because Chloe and Colt could be so funny together. The banter between them felt effortless, even if Chloe had to work at it. But then those funny and sweet moments would shift and I'd find myself smiling for an entirely different reason or sighing out loud. Like when they baked cupcakes, who knew that could become so hot! *fans face*

She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move, as heat and want surged through her veins. It had been so long since a man had touched her lips, and the soft pressure of his thumb against her chin felt more delicious than a thousand tastes of chocolate.


While this is a love story, it also has a strong family feel. I absolutely adored the James family and their dinners or get togethers had me laughing so hard. Plus I heart Aunt Sassy, that woman is so much fun! So yes, I absolutely loved this book. It Started with a Cowboy is perfect for those who love swoon worthy romance that will make you smile and laugh. And even if cowboys aren't your thing, this is the best book to dip your toes into their world. I can't recommend it enough!

“What if I fall?” she whispered.
“It’s okay to fall.” He gazed down at her, his expression sincere, and it felt like he was talking about something else, something deeper.


PS I'm totally going to beg on my knees, can Logan please get a story? I know he's not a James brother, but he's close enough. I'd love to watch him get his HEA. Please? Pretty please?

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So of course after I picked this one up and started reading I realized this was the 3rd in the series. But I feel like I didn’t really miss much to enjoy Colt and Chloe’s story. They are two different people who have found quite an attraction to each other. He’s a good guy who loves to help people and he’s one heck of a hit cowboy. She’s a quiet woman who is a school teacher and didn’t have a great childhood. However you mess with one of her kids and she will let the claws out. When she plows into him and gives him the opening he needs to spend time together things get awkward, cute, sweet, and heated. Their story is quite an adventure and it was fun to read. You get his brothers and Logan who needs his own book: you get heart breaking with Tina who also needs her own book. And you get the happily ever after as these two battle their demons to hang on to each other.

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It started with a Cowboy is book three in the Cowboys of Creedence series by Jennie Marts. This is a story about two people that for separate reasons of their own, doubted their own self worth, didn’t feel like they deserved true happiness, and were afraid of allowing themselves to truly open their hearts and accept someone’s love.

Chloe Bishop is thirty years old and teaches third grade in the local elementary school. She lives alone with her cat, Agatha. An exciting night for Chloe is to knit and watch NetFlix in her pajamas with her cat. Chloe was abused as a child, both emotionally and physically. So, as a result, she struggles with how she sees herself.

Chloe has known Colt for a couple of months now and has had a huge crush on him since the first time she saw him. But she never let it show. Because Colt was everything in a man she knew she could never have. He was way out of her league.

Colt James is the younger brother of Rock and Mason whom we met in the previous books. Colt might have been on track for a professional hockey career but something happened when he was in high school that took that option off the table. Now he is happy to help out his family on The Triple J Ranch where he also lives in a cabin, and to help out around town wherever he is needed. He has also been crushing on the pretty school teacher. Then, when she literally crashed right into him, it gave him the opening he needed to get to know her better.

“You are stronger than you can imagine and tougher than you think. You can do anything you set your mind to. You just have to believe you can do it.”

Colt and Chloe become partners in coaching a group of eight year olds in a youth hockey team. As Colt and Chloe spend time together, their feelings grow stronger. The chemistry between these two is crazy strong and it doesn’t take long for them to give in to it. But neither of them are brave enough to admit their feelings for the other. Both feel like the other is too good for them.

“In the last few days, she’d awoken something in him, some part of him that had been shut up tight and sealed off. A dream he didn’t think could ever be his.”

At the same time, Chloe’s next door neighbor needs her help which puts her in danger. This situation also helps Chloe to take a stand against her past. To find her strength.

These two were so cute together but both of them had to get past plenty of their own barriers before they could truly commit to each other. This is one of those situations where communication would have made things so much better. But each was too worried that they would run the other off if they said too much. Instead, all they did was fuel each other’s doubts.

I loved the added bit of suspense to this. At the end there was quite a nail biting scene. I was so proud of Chloe. I did enjoy reading this. I wanted to reach into the book a few times and give these two a smack and tell them to smarten up. The ending was very cute. I’m not sure if there is going to be more to this series or not. But each of these books can definitely be read as a stand alone.

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