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Cowboys of Creedence #3
It Started with a Cowboy
What will this cowboy risk for love?
Colt James is back home on the family ranch, and he's done taking risks. A car accident ruined his shot at a professional hockey career and messed up his love life, and he's not taking a chance on anything that seems too good to be true. Especially not on Chloe Bishop, his nephew's irresistibly charming teacher and the one woman he can't stop thinking about.
Chloe Bishop liked her life the way it was―orderly, structured and safe. Life goes from managed to messy when Colt talks her into helping him coach a hockey team of rowdy eight-year-olds. Being this close to the cowboy she's crushing on is dangerous territory. But when a real enemy threatens Chloe, Colt will do anything to protect her. Even if it means risking himself―and his heart.
Colt James is back home on the family ranch, and he's done taking risks. A car accident ruined his shot at a professional hockey career and messed up his love life, and he's not taking a chance on anything that seems too good to be true. Especially not on Chloe Bishop, his nephew's irresistibly charming teacher and the one woman he can't stop thinking about.
Chloe Bishop liked her life the way it was―orderly, structured and safe. Life goes from managed to messy when Colt talks her into helping him coach a hockey team of rowdy eight-year-olds. Being this close to the cowboy she's crushing on is dangerous territory. But when a real enemy threatens Chloe, Colt will do anything to protect her. Even if it means risking himself―and his heart.
357 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 30, 2019
124 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Marts
66 books962 followersJennie Marts is a USA Today bestselling author of award-winning books filled with love, laughter, and always a happily ever after. She loves genre-mashups, and her books range from western romance to cozy mysteries but all have the charm and appeal of quirky small-town life. Living out her own happily ever after in the mountains of Colorado, she’s addicted to Diet Coke, adores Cheetos, and believes you can’t have too many books, shoes, or friends.
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April 24, 2019
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.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
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.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
May 21, 2019
Totally, totally not my kind of book.
Look, I try to stretch myself sometimes outside my comfort zone of historical romance, paranormal romance, and queer romances, and I often venture to the world of M/F contemporary romance. I also (rarely) dabble in cowboy romances, though it really isn't my usual thing. But It Started with a Cowboy irked me from start to finish.
The book starts off with a huge info dump of "telling" instead of "showing," and I knew, I knew that this wouldn't be the story for me. Also. right off the bat, we get insta-mushy feelings from a guy who barely knows this 30 year old teacher. He is waxing poetic about her in an intimate, lovey sort of way, which didn't jive with the level of their interactions.
Ruh-ro...
Both of these MCs also had piles of insecurities that kept them from showing any sort of initiative. They both act like timid birds, dancing around each other, and it wasn't in a fun, sexual tension sort of way. The female MC's incredibly low self-esteems bothered me to no end. Also, her little phrases that she used to avoid cursing gave the book a Christian romance sort of feel, which isn't my thing.
The whole story was too slow, too contrived, and too irritating for me to enjoy it all that much. Maybe contemporary romance fans or fans of cowboys would love this one, but it wasn't my kind of story, I'm afraid.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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Look, I try to stretch myself sometimes outside my comfort zone of historical romance, paranormal romance, and queer romances, and I often venture to the world of M/F contemporary romance. I also (rarely) dabble in cowboy romances, though it really isn't my usual thing. But It Started with a Cowboy irked me from start to finish.
The book starts off with a huge info dump of "telling" instead of "showing," and I knew, I knew that this wouldn't be the story for me. Also. right off the bat, we get insta-mushy feelings from a guy who barely knows this 30 year old teacher. He is waxing poetic about her in an intimate, lovey sort of way, which didn't jive with the level of their interactions.
Ruh-ro...
Both of these MCs also had piles of insecurities that kept them from showing any sort of initiative. They both act like timid birds, dancing around each other, and it wasn't in a fun, sexual tension sort of way. The female MC's incredibly low self-esteems bothered me to no end. Also, her little phrases that she used to avoid cursing gave the book a Christian romance sort of feel, which isn't my thing.
The whole story was too slow, too contrived, and too irritating for me to enjoy it all that much. Maybe contemporary romance fans or fans of cowboys would love this one, but it wasn't my kind of story, I'm afraid.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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April 24, 2019
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!
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.
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.
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.
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*
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!
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?
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
“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?
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
April 24, 2019
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.
April 30, 2019
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!
April 25, 2019
“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
April 14, 2019
It Started with a Cowboy by Jennie Marts is the third book in her Creedence, Colorado, series about hockey playing cowboys. Colt, the third James brother, falls hard for Chloe Bishop, third grade teacher and huge heart. Colt and Chloe’s road is awfully rocky, but it is worth it to stick it out. I did occasionally want to slap them both and tell them to just go have a conversation. Marts brings it back around and provides a satisfying HEA where they both move past their demons. There are a couple minor characters that standout, so hopefully we will see more of this series going forward.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
May 1, 2019
The sexy, big-hearted cowboy and the introvert, organized school teacher have been dancing around and secretly pining for each other for months. When she runs her car into his snow plow it gives him a chance to spend time shuttling her to and from school until her car is fixed. And when danger breaks through her front door, he vows to keep her safe.
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. Colorful secondary characters, adorable kids, a finicky cat, frolicking dog and plenty of danger and drama all set this up for a terrific read. The thing I couldn’t get past was the insecurities of both Colt and Chloe. A little to make the point in the reader’s mind is reasonable, but the excessive internal dialogue of “I’m not worthy," their repeated self-sabotage, and more assuming than communicating caused me to lose respect for the characters and lose interest in the outcome of their story. Then it was like a switch had been flipped, and the resolution of the conflict was too abrupt and unconvincing in light of the challenges the characters faced.
This is my first book by this author, and I was really looking forward to reading it. It has all the elements to make it an excellent reading experience, and if you’re not bothered by Colt and Chloe's feelings of inadequacy throughout the book you’ll probably enjoy their story.
*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
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. Colorful secondary characters, adorable kids, a finicky cat, frolicking dog and plenty of danger and drama all set this up for a terrific read. The thing I couldn’t get past was the insecurities of both Colt and Chloe. A little to make the point in the reader’s mind is reasonable, but the excessive internal dialogue of “I’m not worthy," their repeated self-sabotage, and more assuming than communicating caused me to lose respect for the characters and lose interest in the outcome of their story. Then it was like a switch had been flipped, and the resolution of the conflict was too abrupt and unconvincing in light of the challenges the characters faced.
This is my first book by this author, and I was really looking forward to reading it. It has all the elements to make it an excellent reading experience, and if you’re not bothered by Colt and Chloe's feelings of inadequacy throughout the book you’ll probably enjoy their story.
*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
February 12, 2019
4.5 stars
Review by Leah
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Hot for Teacher! It Started with a Cowboy by Jennie Marts is a small town love story.
Chloe’s life is teaching at the local elementary school and then home to her cat Agatha. Growing up was a little tough with a single dad that was an addict. She tried to be everything and above to get approval from her father but growing up that way has beaten down her own self-image. Almost to a point where the roller coaster of her emotions through this book drags on a bit too much. Don’t get me wrong I love Chloe and her huge heart for children. Even her creative crazy PG curse words that come out of her mouth in this book will have you giggling. I don’t think I could take someone serious with some of the sayings she comes up with.
When she meets Colton James or rather crashes into him, her life as she knows it is thrown in the air. For someone that needs control of every single second, it causes some ruckus. Colton James is hot for teacher but the way he describes her "skittish as a colt", is spot on. He is afraid he will run her off if he pursues her the way he would like to.
Colton and Chloe’s relationship is one of those where you stand back and just smile and watch the magic happen. Colton’s heart is freaking huge! Come on, he is a country boy, respects his momma, helps out his neighbors, volunteers at the PD and FD and loves kids…. What else would he need to do to get the good guy status? Maybe protect Chloe from the neighbors crazy ex-hub? Oh yeah, he does that too.
I freaking love Aunt Sassy, what a pistol! And all the little extras that sneak in. I think my favorite is Maddie playing hockey and, of course, Max who has already laid claim that he will be marrying Chloe when he grows up. If you have not watched a little league hockey game, find one now and go watch. They are so much fun. This is really a fun, loving and heartfelt story. I definitely recommend.
*** ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
Review by Leah
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Hot for Teacher! It Started with a Cowboy by Jennie Marts is a small town love story.
Chloe’s life is teaching at the local elementary school and then home to her cat Agatha. Growing up was a little tough with a single dad that was an addict. She tried to be everything and above to get approval from her father but growing up that way has beaten down her own self-image. Almost to a point where the roller coaster of her emotions through this book drags on a bit too much. Don’t get me wrong I love Chloe and her huge heart for children. Even her creative crazy PG curse words that come out of her mouth in this book will have you giggling. I don’t think I could take someone serious with some of the sayings she comes up with.
When she meets Colton James or rather crashes into him, her life as she knows it is thrown in the air. For someone that needs control of every single second, it causes some ruckus. Colton James is hot for teacher but the way he describes her "skittish as a colt", is spot on. He is afraid he will run her off if he pursues her the way he would like to.
Colton and Chloe’s relationship is one of those where you stand back and just smile and watch the magic happen. Colton’s heart is freaking huge! Come on, he is a country boy, respects his momma, helps out his neighbors, volunteers at the PD and FD and loves kids…. What else would he need to do to get the good guy status? Maybe protect Chloe from the neighbors crazy ex-hub? Oh yeah, he does that too.
I freaking love Aunt Sassy, what a pistol! And all the little extras that sneak in. I think my favorite is Maddie playing hockey and, of course, Max who has already laid claim that he will be marrying Chloe when he grows up. If you have not watched a little league hockey game, find one now and go watch. They are so much fun. This is really a fun, loving and heartfelt story. I definitely recommend.
*** ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
March 11, 2019
Eh...I think this book had so much potential but unfortunately it fell short.
I found Chloe to be incredibly annoying. First off, her refusal to curse and the stupid phrases she made to avoid cursing just got old...FAST! I get that as a teacher she can't curse, but it was way over board. Second her incredibly low self esteem felt like it was the entire plot of the book. It felt like every other pages was focused on her negativity because she was chubby as a kid, has curves now or because her father was mean. I get that she thought poorly of herself, but this was just too much.
Colt was the only thing that kept me pushing to the end of the book and prevented me from giving it less than three stars. His brothers added to it as well.
** ARC received from Netgalley **
I found Chloe to be incredibly annoying. First off, her refusal to curse and the stupid phrases she made to avoid cursing just got old...FAST! I get that as a teacher she can't curse, but it was way over board. Second her incredibly low self esteem felt like it was the entire plot of the book. It felt like every other pages was focused on her negativity because she was chubby as a kid, has curves now or because her father was mean. I get that she thought poorly of herself, but this was just too much.
Colt was the only thing that kept me pushing to the end of the book and prevented me from giving it less than three stars. His brothers added to it as well.
** ARC received from Netgalley **
January 18, 2019
IT STARTED WITH A COWBOY by Jennie Marts is my first book by this author. I really enjoyed the characters Chloe and Colt and would 've loved just a bit more of their coming together at the end. I could totally envision a series letting us get to know more about the families in this town. I will definitely be looking forward to more from Jennie Marts!
April 12, 2019
Chloe Bishop has a crush on Colt James. Although she is a well-liked, very successful elementary school teacher she sees herself as a boring, already on the shelf cat lady when it comes to attracting men, especially Colt James. Chloe is Colt's nephew Max's teacher so she has had some interaction with her crush. Little does she know that Colt has taken a liking to her and is interested in getting to know her better. When Chloe backs into Colt's truck while he is plowing snow off of her street (with the hope of getting to see her) Colt has his chance. He drives Chloe and the neighbor kids to school, arranges to have her car repaired and offers to step up and drive her back and forth to school until the repairs are done.
Both Chloe and Colt have some issues to overcome before finding a HEA. Chloe was raised by an alcoholic father who was always putting her down so she is very insecure and doesn't believe her own worth. Colt thinks he is cursed with bad luck after some unfortunate events when he was younger. Will Chloe and Colt be able to overcome their hesitation and discover they are good for each other?
It Started with A Cowboy by Jennie Marts is the third book in her Cowboys of Creedence series. These books have been about three brothers who were raised by a tough yet caring and loving mother when their father died when the boys were young. The author tells their stories in a very entertaining way. The first two books are well worth reading as well as this one. In this book Jennie Marts does a great job of bringing the main characters to life and drawing the reader into rooting for their HEA. The dialogue is fun and made me smile many times throughout the story. If you like hot cowboys, sweet romance and fun reading this is the book for you.
Both Chloe and Colt have some issues to overcome before finding a HEA. Chloe was raised by an alcoholic father who was always putting her down so she is very insecure and doesn't believe her own worth. Colt thinks he is cursed with bad luck after some unfortunate events when he was younger. Will Chloe and Colt be able to overcome their hesitation and discover they are good for each other?
It Started with A Cowboy by Jennie Marts is the third book in her Cowboys of Creedence series. These books have been about three brothers who were raised by a tough yet caring and loving mother when their father died when the boys were young. The author tells their stories in a very entertaining way. The first two books are well worth reading as well as this one. In this book Jennie Marts does a great job of bringing the main characters to life and drawing the reader into rooting for their HEA. The dialogue is fun and made me smile many times throughout the story. If you like hot cowboys, sweet romance and fun reading this is the book for you.
August 31, 2019
*I received a free copy of It Started with a Cowboy from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley. This has in no way influenced my review which is honest and unbiased.*
It Started with a Cowboy had a good premise, and I really thought I'd love this story. However, I found it to be rather repetitive, and the two main characters, Chloe and Colt, lacked self confidence. They were also pretty immature in many ways, and that just didn't work for me.
This story felt more like a coming of age novel than an adult romance.
It Started with a Cowboy had a good premise, and I really thought I'd love this story. However, I found it to be rather repetitive, and the two main characters, Chloe and Colt, lacked self confidence. They were also pretty immature in many ways, and that just didn't work for me.
This story felt more like a coming of age novel than an adult romance.
May 31, 2023
This is the first full-length book I have read by Jenni Marts. I love her writing style blending a funny entertaining story with a very serious side. Although this book is the 3rd in the Cowboys of Creedence series, I was able to follow the story completely, not feeling like I missed anything. I am sure that reading the entire series would bring more depth to the characters and the plot.
Jennie created great chemistry between the two main characters, Colt and Chloe. I love the dialog between them. I especially enjoyed reading their “thoughts” going on in their minds as they talked to one another or just when they were alone. It was such a natural thing that I think everyone does. By having this as part of the story, the reader sees what is truly felt, even if it is not spoken out loud.
I enjoyed so much seeing both Colt and Chloe develop into more secure, strong people independently of each other, but by this happening, their relationship became stronger.
Colt thinks we wants a life with no great risks. He believes if he desires something too much, it will be taken away by “the curse” that follows him. His past has indeed been filled with much disappointment.
Chloe thinks she wants an orderly, structured life, unlike her childhood with an alcoholic, verbally abusive father and no mother around.
The find each other and both are afraid of the strong feelings they have, but in time, as the flow of wonderful romance stories go, they become brave enough to admit their love and build a basis for a happily ever after.
Lastly, I will add that I loved Chloe’s colorful “non-cursing”. It was a hoot to read every one!
I received the ARC of this book from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca. My review is my own opinion not influenced by receiving the book.
Jennie created great chemistry between the two main characters, Colt and Chloe. I love the dialog between them. I especially enjoyed reading their “thoughts” going on in their minds as they talked to one another or just when they were alone. It was such a natural thing that I think everyone does. By having this as part of the story, the reader sees what is truly felt, even if it is not spoken out loud.
I enjoyed so much seeing both Colt and Chloe develop into more secure, strong people independently of each other, but by this happening, their relationship became stronger.
Colt thinks we wants a life with no great risks. He believes if he desires something too much, it will be taken away by “the curse” that follows him. His past has indeed been filled with much disappointment.
Chloe thinks she wants an orderly, structured life, unlike her childhood with an alcoholic, verbally abusive father and no mother around.
The find each other and both are afraid of the strong feelings they have, but in time, as the flow of wonderful romance stories go, they become brave enough to admit their love and build a basis for a happily ever after.
Lastly, I will add that I loved Chloe’s colorful “non-cursing”. It was a hoot to read every one!
I received the ARC of this book from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca. My review is my own opinion not influenced by receiving the book.
July 17, 2019
It Started with a Cowboy is the third title in Jennie Marts' Cowboys of Creedence series, and compared to the previous 2 titles in the series I've read, this one left the most to be desired, and I cannot give it more than a 3-star rating.
The heroine, Chloe Bishop, is a shy, introverted, somewhat OCD, third grade teacher. She's great with children, kind, caring and admits to only being kissed 4 times in her 30-year life. She has a terrible self-image, and low self-esteem thanks to her deceased father, who was a verbally and physically abusive alcoholic, whose wife, Chloe's mother, left them both many years earlier. She's had a crush on a handsome, charming cowboy, Colt James, for months, but she's done nothing about it because she believes herself to be too dowdy, too unattractive, and too boring to attract his attention, although we soon learn that Colton James (Colt) has noticed and been attracted to her since the day they met. Chloe's next door neighbor, Tina, has several children, some of whom Chloe has had in her classes. Tina's a single mom with little money. She's divorced from her violently abusive husband, Rank, who has been incarcerated for several years after she finally filed charges against him. Her eldest son, Jesse, is in the wind, troubled, and afraid that his father blames him for getting in touch with the authorities, although he didn't.
One cold and snowy morning as Chloe was leaving for school, she volunteered to take Tina's other children to the school with her, mainly because she had a good heart, and noticed that they weren't warmly dressed, but as she was backing out of her driveway, a snow plow plowed right into her car. The driver was Colt James, who blamed himself for the accident, told Chloe he would have her car towed and repaired at his own expense, and then had Chloe and Tina's children climb aboard the snowplow and drive them to the school, also telling Chloe that he'd be picking her up and driving her to and from her job until her car was repaired. It's seems that Colt is quite the do-gooder around town, a volunteer firefighter, EMT, part-time deputy, and more. Chloe assumes that in keeping with his image, that his care of her is just one more good deed to add to his list.
Colt once had big dreams of a college sports scholarship and entering the world of the NHL (National Hockey League), but a car accident and the resulting damage to his leg ended that dream in 4 seconds. He was so surly during his recuperation that the girl who was engaged to him left, his long-held dream of a scholarship and career with the NHL was gone. He blames all his misfortune on a family curse, which seemed pretty ridiculous to this reader. For a handsome, kind cowboy, he too has a lot of self-doubt, especially because he's attracted to Chloe but doesn't want to let her know his feelings because of this imaginary curse. I liked Colt a lot, and couldn't understand why half the women in town weren't after him, and no mention of him dating anyone other than his ex-fiance was mentioned.
My main problems with this novel are Chloe-related. Since she teaches young children, she has come up with a slew of alternatives to using actual cuss-words, and while I found her substitutions both cute and funny at the outset, they went on through the entire novel, even when she was speaking with adults or even talking to herself and boy, did it got old--fast! My other issue was her seemingly endless self-doubts due to her being a chubby child who was the victim of her father's verbal abuse. Even once she and Colt get together, her self-recriminations, self-doubt, and low self-esteem caused her untold and unnecessary pain since she couldn't understand why he'd want her as anything more than a friend, and these negative thoughts and behavior simply went on for far too long.
Meanwhile, Colt is seeking ways to keep Chloe around, even teaching her to skate when the local kids wanted him to coach their newly formed hockey team. But that led to even more problems once their physical relationship began. For a woman who was admittedly the recipient of only 4 kisses in her lifetime, why was there no mention of the fact that in all probability, Chloe was in all likelihood a virgin. Yes when these two hook up, she's ready, willing, able, and bold--certainly not the behavior of the shy, introverted, repressed virgin as portrayed leading up to this point in the novel.
I liked Colt enough to be rooting for him and Chloe to finally admit their feelings for one another, but things went from one misunderstanding to another, each person not trusting the intentions of the other. When Tina's violent ex-husband is released from prison and attacks Chloe, who stands her ground to protect Tina's children, Colt saves the day and becomes her protector, moving her into his home on the family ranch, where things certainly heat up, but again, neither of them can get past their own issues or admit to anything more than friendship
While I liked this main characters, aside from hearing about their never-ending insecurities, I kept wanting to slap both of them when their internal dialogue about their own self-doubts led to page after page after page of self-recriminations and second-guessing each others' motives and such a wariness of revealing how they actually felt about each other, and I desperately wanted to slap each one of them and tell them to "get over it!"
What saved this novel for me were the secondary characters--Tina and her adorable children, the danger posed to Tina's eldest son, Jesse, Chloe's cat, Colt's golden retriever, Colt's rowdy family members, and the fact that at heart, and despite their feelings of inadequacy, Chloe and Colt really did work well as a couple of kind, generous, hardworking people with good hearts and a real chance for happiness, although the eventual HEA ending was a complete turnaround, literally and figuratively, and it simply happened too fast.
While this wasn't a bad book, it simply wasn't up to the high expectations I had for it after reading and loving the first two novels in this series. It works fine as a standalone, and if the aforementioned issues don't get to you the way they got to me, it's a book I think you'll enjoy, although I do recommend reading the books in this series in the order in which they were written, simply for the background information.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
The heroine, Chloe Bishop, is a shy, introverted, somewhat OCD, third grade teacher. She's great with children, kind, caring and admits to only being kissed 4 times in her 30-year life. She has a terrible self-image, and low self-esteem thanks to her deceased father, who was a verbally and physically abusive alcoholic, whose wife, Chloe's mother, left them both many years earlier. She's had a crush on a handsome, charming cowboy, Colt James, for months, but she's done nothing about it because she believes herself to be too dowdy, too unattractive, and too boring to attract his attention, although we soon learn that Colton James (Colt) has noticed and been attracted to her since the day they met. Chloe's next door neighbor, Tina, has several children, some of whom Chloe has had in her classes. Tina's a single mom with little money. She's divorced from her violently abusive husband, Rank, who has been incarcerated for several years after she finally filed charges against him. Her eldest son, Jesse, is in the wind, troubled, and afraid that his father blames him for getting in touch with the authorities, although he didn't.
One cold and snowy morning as Chloe was leaving for school, she volunteered to take Tina's other children to the school with her, mainly because she had a good heart, and noticed that they weren't warmly dressed, but as she was backing out of her driveway, a snow plow plowed right into her car. The driver was Colt James, who blamed himself for the accident, told Chloe he would have her car towed and repaired at his own expense, and then had Chloe and Tina's children climb aboard the snowplow and drive them to the school, also telling Chloe that he'd be picking her up and driving her to and from her job until her car was repaired. It's seems that Colt is quite the do-gooder around town, a volunteer firefighter, EMT, part-time deputy, and more. Chloe assumes that in keeping with his image, that his care of her is just one more good deed to add to his list.
Colt once had big dreams of a college sports scholarship and entering the world of the NHL (National Hockey League), but a car accident and the resulting damage to his leg ended that dream in 4 seconds. He was so surly during his recuperation that the girl who was engaged to him left, his long-held dream of a scholarship and career with the NHL was gone. He blames all his misfortune on a family curse, which seemed pretty ridiculous to this reader. For a handsome, kind cowboy, he too has a lot of self-doubt, especially because he's attracted to Chloe but doesn't want to let her know his feelings because of this imaginary curse. I liked Colt a lot, and couldn't understand why half the women in town weren't after him, and no mention of him dating anyone other than his ex-fiance was mentioned.
My main problems with this novel are Chloe-related. Since she teaches young children, she has come up with a slew of alternatives to using actual cuss-words, and while I found her substitutions both cute and funny at the outset, they went on through the entire novel, even when she was speaking with adults or even talking to herself and boy, did it got old--fast! My other issue was her seemingly endless self-doubts due to her being a chubby child who was the victim of her father's verbal abuse. Even once she and Colt get together, her self-recriminations, self-doubt, and low self-esteem caused her untold and unnecessary pain since she couldn't understand why he'd want her as anything more than a friend, and these negative thoughts and behavior simply went on for far too long.
Meanwhile, Colt is seeking ways to keep Chloe around, even teaching her to skate when the local kids wanted him to coach their newly formed hockey team. But that led to even more problems once their physical relationship began. For a woman who was admittedly the recipient of only 4 kisses in her lifetime, why was there no mention of the fact that in all probability, Chloe was in all likelihood a virgin. Yes when these two hook up, she's ready, willing, able, and bold--certainly not the behavior of the shy, introverted, repressed virgin as portrayed leading up to this point in the novel.
I liked Colt enough to be rooting for him and Chloe to finally admit their feelings for one another, but things went from one misunderstanding to another, each person not trusting the intentions of the other. When Tina's violent ex-husband is released from prison and attacks Chloe, who stands her ground to protect Tina's children, Colt saves the day and becomes her protector, moving her into his home on the family ranch, where things certainly heat up, but again, neither of them can get past their own issues or admit to anything more than friendship
While I liked this main characters, aside from hearing about their never-ending insecurities, I kept wanting to slap both of them when their internal dialogue about their own self-doubts led to page after page after page of self-recriminations and second-guessing each others' motives and such a wariness of revealing how they actually felt about each other, and I desperately wanted to slap each one of them and tell them to "get over it!"
What saved this novel for me were the secondary characters--Tina and her adorable children, the danger posed to Tina's eldest son, Jesse, Chloe's cat, Colt's golden retriever, Colt's rowdy family members, and the fact that at heart, and despite their feelings of inadequacy, Chloe and Colt really did work well as a couple of kind, generous, hardworking people with good hearts and a real chance for happiness, although the eventual HEA ending was a complete turnaround, literally and figuratively, and it simply happened too fast.
While this wasn't a bad book, it simply wasn't up to the high expectations I had for it after reading and loving the first two novels in this series. It works fine as a standalone, and if the aforementioned issues don't get to you the way they got to me, it's a book I think you'll enjoy, although I do recommend reading the books in this series in the order in which they were written, simply for the background information.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 15, 2019
Colt tends to get all flustered, “you’re not chunky now. You’ve got a great body.” Pink flooded his cheeks. “I mean, you look great to me. Like, you know, just right. You’re not chunk… er… heavy.” He slapped his hand to his forehead. “Please save me from saying anything else.” I liked this book, I loved how caring Colt was.
March 6, 2019
I am late to the party with this fun cowboy/hockey romance. I missed the first two books(Caught Up In a Cowboy and You Had Me At Cowboy) but I’ll be going back to catch up on the other James brothers. In the meantime, let me tell you about this one...
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. In his mind, he’s cursed and no success can come his way in life or love.
Enter Chloe Bishop, an adorable, caring school teacher with a wicked case of ‘neat freak’. She likes a place for everything and everything in its place. Chloe came by this obsession after surviving an abusive father and now she’s taking so much control over her life that she doesn’t have much of a life beyond her classroom, her cat and her knitting.
Colt and Chloe had met before this story began, but just met, nothing more. Still, they made powerful impressions on each other and they haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Not that they’ve done anything about it. But their ‘good guy’ and ‘caring teacher’ sides meet up to help out some kids who want to play hockey. Now Colt and Chloe are growing closer and starting to turn what had been daydreams and fantasies in some very steamy encounters.
The question is, will their own insecurities get in the way of their happiness? And what about the neighbor’s ex-husband who just got out of prison...Chloe is all about protecting them from the same sort of abuse she suffered as a child, while Colt is all about protecting Chloe. You know their lives will get complicated before this story ends.
Jennie Mart’s is the author of many delightfully humorous romances and now that she’s turned her eye on the western version with this cowboy series she’s writing a whole new world of compelling and steamy romances with just the right touch of humor. That makes for a fun read and, if that’s your cup of tea, you need to check this one out!
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. In his mind, he’s cursed and no success can come his way in life or love.
Enter Chloe Bishop, an adorable, caring school teacher with a wicked case of ‘neat freak’. She likes a place for everything and everything in its place. Chloe came by this obsession after surviving an abusive father and now she’s taking so much control over her life that she doesn’t have much of a life beyond her classroom, her cat and her knitting.
Colt and Chloe had met before this story began, but just met, nothing more. Still, they made powerful impressions on each other and they haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Not that they’ve done anything about it. But their ‘good guy’ and ‘caring teacher’ sides meet up to help out some kids who want to play hockey. Now Colt and Chloe are growing closer and starting to turn what had been daydreams and fantasies in some very steamy encounters.
The question is, will their own insecurities get in the way of their happiness? And what about the neighbor’s ex-husband who just got out of prison...Chloe is all about protecting them from the same sort of abuse she suffered as a child, while Colt is all about protecting Chloe. You know their lives will get complicated before this story ends.
Jennie Mart’s is the author of many delightfully humorous romances and now that she’s turned her eye on the western version with this cowboy series she’s writing a whole new world of compelling and steamy romances with just the right touch of humor. That makes for a fun read and, if that’s your cup of tea, you need to check this one out!
May 1, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
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.*
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.*
April 30, 2019
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.
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.
May 1, 2019
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.
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.
May 1, 2019
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.
The publisher through Net Galley provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
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.
The publisher through Net Galley provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
April 30, 2019
I really love this series and Colt James is now my favorite cowboy! He's so dreamy! I absolutely love Colt & Chloe's story and the way their relationship develops so beautifully from friends to lovers but really to so much more than that. He treats her the way every woman wants to be treated; he is so protective and so genuine. He is also one of the hardest working all around good guys helping out wherever he can. Chloe is awesome! Because she is an elementary school teacher, she has some of the funniest non swear words I've ever heard! I love her! From the story line to the characters, Ms. Marts has truly given us a heartwarming and sweet story about two people who have hearts of gold who will do anything to protect the people in their lives. They aren't perfect but they sure are perfect for each other. I honestly just adore this couple and their whole story!
April 24, 2019
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.
April 30, 2019
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!!
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!!
April 20, 2019
Chloe has no confidence in relationships, she does in teaching and her home but herself no way. When Chloe leaves her driveway to go to her job she hits a plow and dents her door so badly she can’t open it.
The plow she hit was Coles he is the cowboy she has been fantasizing about for months and she is so embarrassed.
Cole can’t believe his luck that Chloe needs a ride to school along with one of her students who lives next door. Cole is hoping maybe he can spend some time with her maybe get her on a date when one of her students mentions why can’t she be on the hockey team, but in order for her to do that they need a female coach and Cole elects Chloe.
Cole is convinced he is cursed and that no woman would want him and Chloe has so much baggage you aren’t sure if she will ever get out from under it. I loved how naive Chloe was and her curse words were adorable this is a sweet story with a little heat and a lot of feels. - Reviewed by Linda
The plow she hit was Coles he is the cowboy she has been fantasizing about for months and she is so embarrassed.
Cole can’t believe his luck that Chloe needs a ride to school along with one of her students who lives next door. Cole is hoping maybe he can spend some time with her maybe get her on a date when one of her students mentions why can’t she be on the hockey team, but in order for her to do that they need a female coach and Cole elects Chloe.
Cole is convinced he is cursed and that no woman would want him and Chloe has so much baggage you aren’t sure if she will ever get out from under it. I loved how naive Chloe was and her curse words were adorable this is a sweet story with a little heat and a lot of feels. - Reviewed by Linda
January 19, 2019
Loved this book! Chloe is a elementary school teacher smitten with a sexy cowboy, Colt. However, Chloe's own mother abandoned her and her father convinced her she was worthless. Colt has experienced a series of problems/disappointments and has convinced himself he's cursed and unlovable.
Reading about these two characters with poor self esteem muddle through a relationship was engaging - I felt invested in the characters and wanted them to get a HEA ending. I especially loved reading about Chloe and how she responded when her regimented life was thrown out of whack.
If you enjoy the genre, you will love this book. The author is on my must read authors' list. While this novel is part of a series, it is a stand alone book, however, it's so good that you really owe it to yourself to read them all.
Reading about these two characters with poor self esteem muddle through a relationship was engaging - I felt invested in the characters and wanted them to get a HEA ending. I especially loved reading about Chloe and how she responded when her regimented life was thrown out of whack.
If you enjoy the genre, you will love this book. The author is on my must read authors' list. While this novel is part of a series, it is a stand alone book, however, it's so good that you really owe it to yourself to read them all.
April 28, 2019
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.
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.
May 1, 2019
Go Colt and Chloe!!!
How do you fall in love when your insecurities won't release their hold on your psyche? Colt and Chloe are both battling their own issues and struggle to ignore the voices in their heads. Colt is the youngest James brother and feels as though every time he's gotten close to what he wanted, it's slipped through his fingers. Chloe is a third grade teacher who struggles to see the positives in herself after years of psychological abuse. Can these two open up and risk it all for each other?
I loved this book, heck, this whole series. Jennie Marts knows how to write a realistic love story. You laugh, you cry, you want to reach into the book and smack the characters, all while not being able to put the book down.
Jennie, can I be one of the heroines in on of your books?
How do you fall in love when your insecurities won't release their hold on your psyche? Colt and Chloe are both battling their own issues and struggle to ignore the voices in their heads. Colt is the youngest James brother and feels as though every time he's gotten close to what he wanted, it's slipped through his fingers. Chloe is a third grade teacher who struggles to see the positives in herself after years of psychological abuse. Can these two open up and risk it all for each other?
I loved this book, heck, this whole series. Jennie Marts knows how to write a realistic love story. You laugh, you cry, you want to reach into the book and smack the characters, all while not being able to put the book down.
Jennie, can I be one of the heroines in on of your books?
March 31, 2019
The third book in Jennie Mart’s Cowboys of Creedence is heartfelt and emotional moving. A story of two wonderful characters that develop a genuine friendship that leads to heart-warming romance. But Chloe and Colt don’t have an easy go of it; they each have real deep-seated insecurities and must determine whether their love is strong enough to stay the test of time. No relationship is without hurdles, but Ms Marts has written and beautiful account of the trials that this exceptional couple face and their sincerity and willingness to give it everything they’ve got. This is definitely a great addition to this much loved series.
April 12, 2019
I loved Colt and Chloes story! Chloes personality had me cracking up with her no cussing. I love that shes a teacher and cares so much about her kids. She tries to help them all so much. Colt is my favorite! i love how he is there for Chloe every step of the way and is a gentleman. Hes the strong, protective type of cowboy you would want too! In the end I definately enjoyed this story!
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