Zane Taylor is known for his ways with horses. He’s a loner and not known for staying around. Bryn is known for making bad choices when it comes to men and takes care of everyone no matter the cost. Slime balls, a tip, three legged dog, another without a name, and an unexpected start of a horse rescue leads this to be quite an interesting book.

Bryn has been attracted to Zane and sees what is Inside. He’s falling for the gentle hearted woman but knows she deserves better. Things will get interesting as they navigate new experiences and past hurts.

I enjoyed this book a lot.

Jennie Marts brings us a new volume for her “Cowboys of Credence” series. In 'A Cowboy State of Mind' Zane Taylor, the sexy yet scarred son of the town drunk is back in town. And despite his best efforts, he cannot help but being drawn to Bryn Callahan, the big-hearted and beautiful diner waitress. United by their love of animals and an impulse horse rescue, they will eventually have to rescue their own selves from the shadows of their pasts and into love.

This is an unapologetic feel-good romance, an excellent example of a craft clearly well practiced. Marts follows her formula and uses all the possible tropes in the genre to good effect. We have the hunky aloof cowboy with a heart of gold and a tortuous past; the curvaceous sexy woman with a drive to mother and care for others; the handsome and stable second lead; the revolting ex; even the delightful child and idyllic family farm make an appearance. The smart twist on this book, however, is that each of the leads finds salvation by themselves, rather than being saved by the other. Bryn may need Zane’s help with the rescues, but she does learn to fend for herself, overcoming her own need to put others ahead. Similarly, Zane benefits from Bryn’s acceptance of his wound (physical and otherwise), but he has to face his past on his own.

Who would enjoy this
'A Cowboy State of Mind' is decidedly the kind of book aimed at die-hard romantics, even better if they are American, Christian and Mid-Western.

If you are looking for a lot of fluff, some humour, wholesome values, some sexy times, and easy entertainment, this is a good choice. I particularly recommend it for anyone with a love of animals, as they play quite a role here.

Who should give this a pass
Well, no, don’t even start reading this if you are looking for a piece of great literature. It is also not a realistic portrayal of life, or animal rescues, let alone of relationships for that matter. Moreover, this is not a true reflection of how trauma, both personal and from military action, affects or is overcome.

Additionally, if you are a reader of romance but don’t want to read about sex outside of wedlock, give this a pass. The sexiness is implied from the word go, and the sex scenes themselves are detailed enough to be uncomfortable for some.

Conclusions and suggestions
As I mentioned above, I commend this book for what it is: an excellent example of modern romance. Jennie Marts clearly knows what is the goal when she writes her romance, i.e. to warm hearts. Despite the slight ‘teaching’ slips here and there, the psychological and spiritual aspects in 'A Cowboy State of Mind' are not a guide to life. The style is light and the romance quick enough to get the readers enchanted by the fire in it without falling into the dreariness of the daily grind, with a pinch of relatable scenes to add to the illusion. There is enough humour to get the reader to giggle, as well, as well as enough power in the female characters to make them worthy of cheering on without turning them into unnatural superwomen.

That said, I found the inclusion of certain moments to be rather forced, particularly when done as part of the conversation. I refer to the instances where Marts tries to use psychology or explain values. Similarly, the inclusion of religion seems rather an afterthought, a token appearance instead of an element of value in its own right.

In short, that would be my two main points to recommend working on, in future:
- Don’t pontificate. Particularly, not in long diatribes in dialogues. Nobody likes a preacher. Separate the information into more, smaller scenes.
- If an element is important enough to be present in the story (let alone, a turning point as religion is here), ensure it is at least hinted at before it crops up.
- On the other hand, don’t draw out the hints of traumatic memories. Each appearance should be accompanied by an additional bit of information. Otherwise, they lose all effectivity and the trauma seems more of a childish obsession than an actual meaningful event.

This is a romance book, and it is the first book in the Creedence Horse Rescue. We follow Jennie and Zane. Jennie starts an animal rescue after rescuing a horse that had been mistreated. I have to say my daughter as been riding horse since she was three, and the farm she rides at rescues mistreated horse, and it always upsets me so much. While reading the first chapters of this book made me think about all the rescue horse I have seen over the years. This book follows their slow moving romance. I do think the first part of the book was a little boring because the romance move so slow, but it picks up a lot in the second half of the book. I really enjoyed it after they finally got together. I have to say the last few chapters had so much in them you will not want to stop reading, and I loved the ending. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jennie Marts delivers on a feel good sweet story set in Credence, CO. Bryn Callahan starts a animal rescue with the handsome and complicated cowboy Zane Taylor by saving a horse. As the rescue grows so does the connection between Bryn and Zane.

Zane went through an emotional and physically abusive childhood with a drunken dad that left scars inside and out. He left his home as soon as he was 18 and joined the military. When he returned home, he had to care for his father who was recovering from a heart attack. Bryn, is a small town waitress, with a big heart that will literally give her last penny to whoever needs help. Together, Bryn and Zane, both had difficult pasts but soon they create something wonderful--a horse rescue center.

They develop immediate chemistry but it’s a slow build until they finally give in to their attraction. They definitely both grow in character and brought out good qualities in each other. Steamy romance along with witty banter and a satisfying HEA ending.

A Cowboy State Of Mind is the first book in the series and can be read as a standalone. A bit slow at times but overall a good book.

This book starts off a new series by Jennie Marts, Creedence Horse Rescue. I read Marts’ Cowboys of Creedence series and was introduced to Zane and Bryn in the last book. Zane went through an emotional and physically abusive childhood that left both inner and outer scars. He left his home town as soon as he turned 18 and joined the military. He returned home reluctantly to care for his father who was recovering from a heart attack. Bryn, is a sweet small town waitress, who wears her heart on her sleeve and will literally give her last penny to whoever needs help. Zane feels he is toxic and only bad can come from becoming. involved with him. However, Bryn is a professional rescuer. These two have immediate chemistry but it’s a slow build until they finally give in to their desires. They definitely both grow in character over their relationship and they brought out good qualities in each other. Lots of steamy romance, some angst, tug and pull and a super sweet sappy ending. This was a fun escape read. A few of the characters were carried over from the last series and it was nice to have their cameos. I’m looking forward to Brody and Elle’s story next!

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.

A Cowboy State Of Mind is a phenomenal western romance by Jennie Marts. Ms. Marts has provided readers with a well-written book furnished with a spectacular cast of characters. Zane is ex-military and has returned to Creedence because his father had a heart attack. Bryn is a waitress and with the help of Zane rescues a horse. One horse turns into more. Bryn and Zane's story is loaded with drama, humor, sizzle and lovable critters big and small. I loved every page of this book and look forward to reading more from Jennie Marts in the future. A Cowboy State Of Mind is book 1 of the Creedence Horse Rescue Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a great romance. This is one of those. Rough scared cowboys meets. The lovable waitress which rescues every unwanted unloved thing

I was offered an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A nice steamy romance with a brooding ranch hand and the local girl who should be off limits! This was a fun read that went by quickly and left me wanting more!!! Brynn has bad luck when it comes to men, but she’s always had a sweet spot for her regular customer Zane Taylor. Zane has been through hell - both at home with his drunken dad and in the military and he has the scars to prove it. Brynn seems to be the only living person that sees past those scars and into his true being.

Jennie Marts had me falling in love with Bryn and Zane from the beginning of "A Cowboy's State of Mind". Their quick wit and sarcasm had me laughing throughout the book. What I loved most about their story was how they both figured out who they were, how strong they were individually and as a couple, by the end. If you're looking for a sweet, sassy romance with a side of humanitarian efforts, I highly recommend reading "A Cowboy's State of Mind".

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.

Sometimes you just really need to read a book about good people doing good things and falling in love in the process. This was definitely the book I needed to read right now. Zane is a horse whisperer (of a kind) who has not had an easy life. His mother died in childbirth and his father was physically and emotionally abusive. He fought in Afghanistan and the only reason he has returned home is to take care of his father after a heart attack. He's stayed as long as he has, however, because of his feelings for Bryn.

Bryn is sunshine and light and just basically the essence of good people. She believes the best in people and saves animals in her spare time. She's also been treated pretty badly by a lot of people in her life - but she continues to move forward and still stay sunny.

Rescuing a horse brings Bryn and Zane together - but Zane feels strongly that he isn't good enough for Bryn. He definitely has a lot of work to d emotionally to be able to be open to a relationship with her.

I loved watching them deal with the motley crew of animals and watching Bryn's amazement that people would donate money to help with the care and feeding of the animals. It was just lovely to watch.

Zane's emotional distance was hard to watch - and maybe goes on a hair too long. I'm not sure Bryn needed the grand gesture at the end. I think a simple commitment and apology would have been enough and carried a lot of emotional weight.

Overall - this is a great read and a perfect pick-me-up.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

I just loved this book. It was so well-written that it captured my mind and I was dragged along for the ride. Once I started reading I could not put it down until I read the last page.

Why hasn't he gone to the diner in months?

That's a lot of pies.

Bastards.

Get real, lady. It's a scar!

I have never heard music described like that.

Oh boy, her brother is really good with the guilt trips.

Elle needs a boyfriend.

She's a one-woman animal shelter now.

Nice alliteration.

Aw, he's such a romantic.

Sarah was clearly bipolar.

Bad things come in threes.

Hallelujah, she finally stopped with the enabling.

This is the best apology.

A pair of injured souls find the perfect partner in each other.
Horse whisperer Zane Taylor survived a horrible childhood full of physical and mental abuse
Bryn Callahan did her best to help her grandparents raise her brother after being dumped on them by irresponsible parents and took over the job completely when both passed away leaving her the farm.
Unfortunately he was also irresponsible and she was a sucker for a hard luck story, leaving her open to being robbed by an ex-boyfriend.
They started helping each other after she not only had car trouble, but she felt the need to rescue an abused horse, that led to another rescue then another. He felt unworthy but stuck with helping her any way he could and she fell deeply in love.
Bryn made it her mission to save as many animals as she could and to make Zane realize he was perfect the way he was.
Ms.Marts brings out many emotions in this tale, anger at Zane's drunken abusive dad, frustration at Zane's inability to see his worth aand Bryn's inability to stand up for herself ...well...until they do. Humor runs through the pages, as does the goodness of their friends and the townies.
This is an uplifting tale, perfect for raising someone's spirits in theses troubling times.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC gratis and offer my opinion in the same spirit.

Overall a good story. Both characters have issues, of course, and both balance each other out to make a team. Zane comes from a father, who when drunk is mean. Scars on his face and back are a testament to that. Bryn is young and alone, and easily taken advantage of, because of her trusting and giving nature. Letting her small farm become a rescue area for unwanted pets and animals just seems natural, and Zane, being so good with horses and dogs, also works well. Hard to put this one down, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Just felt a bit frustrated with Zane's feelings of guilt and lack of confidence after awhile, but otherwise highly recommend this book and author.

A quote (from ARC):
«”You are more than your scars. But I think our scars tell our stories. They don’t have to be marks of shame, they can be symbols of survival, even victory”»

A feel good story, with a contemporary Beauty and the Beast version, “A Cowboy State of Mind”, by Jennie Marts (Sourcebooks Casablanca), features a very broody, wounded hero who isn’t seeking redemption but still finds it along with his HEA with a strong, sunny heroine.
This is heavy on the wounded hero trope and I loved it; the author often stresses how damaged and broken Zane feels (and it’s really more about perception than reality).
Zane is a such a pessimistic person, contrasting with Bryn‘s positive outlook on life, he feels like damaged goods and carries a huge chip on his shoulder. He’s also handsome, sexy, kind and honorable.
The romance is well developed, the dialogue and characterization too.
I found Zane’s relationship with his father a bit hard to understand.
Despite the dark tones related to our gloomy wounded hero, the story maintains a feel-good vibration, with its bunch of stray animals being rescued, the strong sense of community and the likable and relatable side characters. And, of course, with the romance and Zane finally finding happiness and redemption.
Very enjoyable, and uplifting in times of confinement.

This is such a good read. I love all things cowboys and this one didn’t disappoint. I loved the idea of all the animals turning up randomly. As an animal lover I hate the thought of animals in distress and the fact our heroine, Bryn, doesn’t even bat an eyelid at all these animals being left at her step. As for Zane, my heart broke for him at times, other times I wanted to give him a slap lol! The chemistry was hot, and believable....can’t wait for the next one, I hope it’s Brody next

I have come to love Jennie's cowboy books.
Brynn is a down on her luck waitress, and Zane is a horse whisperer.A commonality they share is their love for animals.
I liked the emphasis on rescuing animals and people that came communicate with them puts me in awe..
Characters from one of her series were also mentioned. I always like to catch up with them.

This book was so cute! I loved how animals kept showing up to the farm. It was a cute and funny aspect and god, the chemistry between Bryn and Zane was amazing. Such a cute and fulfilling book!