A Cowboy State of Mind (Creedence Horse Rescue, 1)

Loved this series and Jennie Marts. Her writing keeps you glued to the pages and wishing it never ended...Thanks Jennie...

Quick read

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!

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 ads 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.