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.

Great new series!! I really enjoyed this book,great characters and story line! I recommend this book a must read,steamy and heartfelt. Can't wait for the next book in series and more from this author!!💖

The first book in a new series and I thought this was a really fine story. You have Zane Taylor who has been verbally abused by his father forever, and even physically with a scare on one side of his face from a beer bottle that his father used. After going to Afghanistan and being injured there his hopes of staying in the military are gone. He is now going from ranch to ranch working with horses. People call him a horse whisper though he does not look at himself that way.
Bryn Callahan a waitress at the dinner is walking on the side of the road after her car broke down, Zane stops and gives her a lift into her work and after she settles in along with her three-legged dog, she focuses on the horse that they past coming in that was in the unkept trailer. The two men saying she can have the horse but she turns them down they then offer the horse for $100.00 Wouldn’t you know it she just got a tip of one hundred dollars form, Zane. Together they get the horse to her ranch and later the town has come together to help for the feed for it. She also gets another horse and slowly she is becoming a horse and animal rescue ranch which she did not plan.
She also di not plan on having feelings for Zane but she does, the problem is the guy she took in actually took from her. Money, her truck, her grandfather's champion belt buckle and her self-esteem. Even after Zane helps her in getting some of those items back and he wants to be with her he does not feel worthy of her. She wants him but she is tired of fixing men or trying to. So, starting with her brother she is done. You see the growth with the characters and you root for them throughout the book. You just don’t know if Zane will see what she does. A good book with wonderful characters, very much worth the read.

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!

Loved, loved, LOVED this book! This is a wonderful romance that shows new love can heal old wounds, even those that have caused deep scars. It begins with Bryn trying to rescue a horse headed for misery, when Zane jumps into assist her.

I fell in love with Bryn and Zane and loved their story. I found myself engrossed in their story and invested in their getting a HEA ending.

If you enjoy romance, you will love this book. Put this one at the top of your TBR list. The author is on my must read authors' list.

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!

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.

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

Low drama with all the feels…

*4.5 stars*

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!

Loved it!! A slow burn romance that will have you sizzling by the end. I LOVED this story!! Zane had my heart breaking for him. I kept wanting to give him a hug. And Bryn is awesome! I actually found myself clapping for her in my mind when she finally stood up to her brother. This story is very relatable and has you picturing a real romance in a small country town between these two characters. It is also a sweet, fun and sexy romance that will keep you turning the page.

I would have to say this is my favorite Jennie Marts book up to this date. I love the wounded hero line and when you add animals to it, I am hooked. Well written, and once I got started reading it, I could not put it down.

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.***

I absolutely adore a book with animals and strong cowboys. Of course any man that cares for an injured animal is always going to be a hero. Bryn, favorite small town waitress, ends up with a horse she had no intention of having. Thanks to Zane she was able to help herself and others while she started a new venture. Creedence is a wonderful small town where gossip reigns and the hearts couldn’t be any stronger. This is the start of a new series that I hope includes Brody the vet and Elle the shy widow. I’m always excited to read a new Jenny Marts book, receiving an early edition from Netgalley is much appreciated.

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.

Changing a Cowboy’s State of Mind🤠

The first book in this spin off series by Jennie featuring Zane and Bryn has a whole rainbow of emotions attached to it❣️ It comes with some sad realities but it also has some laughter and sassy comebacks, but ultimately is about two people with the biggest hearts towards animals❤️

Unfortunately, both have had difficult pasts and are damaged in different ways. Bryn feels her worth is in saving animals and puts all her efforts into doing just that, rather than having relationships with men who take advantage of her good hearted nature😢 Then you have Zane, the man who suffered through an abusive childhood who is an amazing horse whisperer and helps Bryn when he finds her in need of help😍 They both forge a path towards something new but will their insecurities push them apart or help them heal each other and the damage sustained in their youths?

A wonderful story and I’m looking forward to more and hopefully an HEA for Elle and our good veterinarian too😁 I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and want to thank the author and publisher for my chance to review this splendid book🤩

This a story is a modern spin on Beauty and the Beast with a cowboy twist. It is an insightful and perceptively written story with a healthy dose of humour added in for good measure. Zane is gruff, and tough cowboy fighting some very fierce inner demons. A hellish childhood spent in the care of an abusive, alcoholic father, left him feeling worthless. Add in a relationship that piled on more pain and time spent in the military, it is no wonder that Zane has become a loner and introverted. Only his sense of duty brought him back to his hometown to care for his father after he had a heart attack. His work with horses gives him a sense of solace and peace, and has also gained him a measure of respect from horse owners. His integrity and sense of honour won’t let him just pass by Bryn when she is walking into town after her car breaks down. When they have met in the past at the diner where she works, they have traded greetings, talked about the weather etc, but he desperately tries to find a way to converse with her on the ride into town. Bryn is a beautiful woman with a kind heart and an effervescent personality. She draws people to her, even the surly loner cowboy, Zane, who has placed her in the off limits category in his head, though his heart isn’t getting that message. When Bryn ends up buying a mistreated horse, Zane unexpectedly offers his help and horse expertise. From there on out, after even more animals are rescued, Zane’s heart and mind are in heavy conflict as he spends a great deal of time with the beautiful Bryn. Their desire for each other wins out even though his demons keep screaming at him to let her go, to leave her to find the good man she deserves. Will his heart win out, or his mind and his demons?

I recommend this book to all lovers of romance, but especially to those who have a fondness for rough, tough and grumbly cowboys. I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

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.

Thanks to the Netgalley, publisher and author for a copy in exchange for an honest review.