Okay, I'll admit I requested this book for the cover. Found out it was part of a series and went out to get book 1 and 2. Got lost in their world. This one didn't disappoint . Can be read alone, but recommend reading the others first. Great characters and chemistry

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.

It Started with a Cowboy is wonderful romance story. It has a great storyline and flowed smoothly. I loved the characters and the plot. This book is part of the Cowboys of Creedence series and it sure did not disappoint me. Colt and Chloe are the main characters, and their love story is terrific and beautiful, as they go from friends to lovers. They have some bumps in the road along the way, to overcome their issues. I also enjoyed all the side characters. I look forward to reading more books in this series. Good work Jennie Marts!

I loved the storyline. The romance with heat was awesome and I still wanna know what that little something was that Colt could do to Chloe. They had no trouble in the chemistry dept. and the bits of wit and humor made me lol.
They were both a bit shy to admit to the feelings for each other and each had their own reasons for doing so. It was here that I got just a bit bogged down with all these internal feelings and mind talking.
Personally, I dislike mind talking because it tends to get repetitive and I got it the 1st few times that the mind talking occurred with how and why they are at this point with just mind talking and not saying it out loud. Y'all see where I went with this?
They each had issues and I'm not sure truthfully, that it all just works out as easily as was indicated, but it did and I sighed happily.
Now the drama that was Rank, was intense and had me edgy because it was when and not if he came back. Good intro to more characters with more future romance hopefully.
The kids, oh those wonderfully innocent little beings. That was bonus to read about the little league hockey and how that works, the thrill of a game and having a little gogetter girl on the team.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and am giving my honest opinions voluntarily

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

Cute romance filled with misunderstandings and insecurities for both colt and Chloe. They each feel that they are not worthy of the other and Chloe especially has lots of baggage from her childhood with an alcoholic abusive father.

They struggle with their feelings and they struggle with not talking things out with each other! Along with the struggle to figure out their relationship, they are trying to coach a kids hockey team as well as helping Tina and her family stay safe from her dangerous ex-husband.

It was great when they finally admitted their feelings and talked about their insecurities and finally got their HEA!

Home Run!! This was a great story! Two people who really lacked confidence in themselves finding their way to each other with loads of misunderstandings and mishaps. This story was sweet, sexy, romantic and funny at times. I fell in love with Colt and Chloe’s story!

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.

This was a really good read from a new author to me. The characters were fun, and there was some real drama. I loved the colourful way our heroine substituted swear words...as a mother of two, I might use some of them. I would definitely go back and read the other books in the series

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Oh how I wish these stories were true! Colt is a perfect gentleman that would do anything for anyone, but Chloe doesn’t know if he is just being nice or if he could actually like her. Of course this book has two “head-over-boot heals” characters who don’t know when to quit assuming they know what the other person is thinking and actually use their words to communicate with each other.

There are a few side stories that make the story especially interesting- I’d love to know more about what finally happened to Rank!

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 will wait to post my review to Goodreads.com, Bookbub.com, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com until the release date of the book, as requested by SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca.

Colt James, the youngest of the James brothers , is the guy who is always helping the community and its inhabitants. A community that helped him many years ago.
Colt has had his eyes on shy third grade teacher Chloe Bishop but he believes she’s out of her league. While Chloe, a woman with a childhood no child should live, feels he is out of her league. But fate puts them together and thus starts a “friendship”.
It’s a story that reminds us that what happens in our youth , does in fact affect us as adults. The scars and feelings are hard to overcome. But paraphrasing the author, it will destroy us or make us stronger.
Both Colt and Chloe will have to decide whether they want to give love a try knowing that life is messy but also rewarding, or play it safe and lose the chance of having someone to love and have their back.
This is another engaging story with complex characters by this talented author.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

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 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!

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!

"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review."

Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet, sexy romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!

Chloe and Colt managed to fumble their way through friendship & find themselves in a relationship. Chloe has low self esteem & has trouble believing Colt is actually attracted to her. Colt is trying to find ways to make sure they spend time together without being obvious about it. Chloe is a typical young teacher totally concerned with anything related to her students. Colt could tell that was a way to keep her involved.

Jennie Marts has a talent for giving her readers ordinary characters that they can identify with & relate to. Chloe is the personable teacher who cares for her students but is introverted & awkward socially. Colt is the uncle who loves his nephew & is attracted to his teacher but doesn’t know how to approach her. I really enjoyed reading the dance these two engaged in. They were both oblivious to how the other felt. Chloe’s students & Colt’s family added extra depth to the story & their feelings. I was pulled into the story from the first & was kept entertained.

Chloe is attracted to Colt, but she growing up she was told she is worthless, so she thinks Colt doesn't care about her. After small accident they path crossed and they starting to spend time together. Loved the way Colt treated Chloe. Book is well written, love it. Can't wait to read more from this author.

Slow start on this book. The premise is cute but both characters are written so hesitantly. Good read for an afternoon, though.

What is with me and cowboy stories nowadays? Sure I've never been a big fan of them so I'm guessing I'm still trying to find one that one Western Romance that completely wins with over. Believe it or not, this one almost did. I'm pleasantly surprised how much I really liked “Caught Up With A Cowboy”. It was a cute romance story starting Chloe, who is a third grade elementary school teacher that helps coach the hockey team while trying to overcome her obvious crush on Colt, a cowboy who is back home on the family ranch after a car accident that ruined his shot at a professional hockey career. Little encounters and accidental touches enlighten a fire in their hearts but would they risk everything for love when a real enemy threatens the irresistibly charming teacher Colt can't keep his mind off?

The lead characters are wholesome and realistic. They didn't live ideal lives and their background definitely explains a lot about their actions. Chloe had a rough upbringing when her mother ran off and she got stuck the burden and the misery of being raised by Butch Bishop, her alcoholic father that damaged her in more ways than one. That allowed her to feel more than sympathetic towards some of her students, whom had similar upbringings but unlike them, her childhood had ultimately destroyed her self-esteem making her believed she's not worthy of the sexy cowboy who she had been crushing on the last two months. Colt on the other hand still struggles with a car accident that not just ended this professional hockey career but made him lost the girl he thought he’d marry and any plans for college scholarships went up in smoke.

Their attraction and strong connection to each other was there from the get-go but they struggle to to comes in terms with what they're feeling. Unbeknownst to them, the feelings are mutual and they're were stuck in the more than friends, less than lovers stage. The feelings come to play when Chloe's life is threatened by Rank Johnson, her neighbors abusive father who was recently released from prison. When in confrontation with the man, Chloe looked up at him and saw her father’s face, and she was like an injured animal caught in a trap. Snarled in this ambush of the past and the present blending together, she was rendered useless before the authorities came. When Colt discovers she’d been attacked and threatened by her neighbor’s crazy husband, he's willing to do everything in his power to protect her and his actions doesn’t go unnoticed. His comforting words and actions soothed her battered heart, touching a part of her that she normally kept locked away. Unsure where he stood with his feelings, Chloe didn’t know if the cowboy was offering her a friendly hand because she was part of his community or he shared her feelings too. For once in her life, to get an answer on how Colt felt about her, Chloe decided it's time to be bold and take action. Who knew all it would take was for her to drop her towel.

The premise was quite refreshing, the concept was unique and differ from other series I have read as of late, and how the characters were able overcome their fears and took the chance on love sealed the deal for me. The romance definitely wasn't rushed and it slowly built over time. Obviously this wasn't series perfect. Chloe insecurities was the elephant in the room and the leads constant back and forth was overly played but that that didn't take away from the story. Overall this was not I was expecting when I picked up this novel. It wasn't the best of the best Western Romance I've read but Jennie Marts’ descriptive words, the flow and mesh of characters, that also includes secondary, made this story for me. After “It Started With A Cowboy”, I look forward reading the remaining books of the “Cowboys of Creedence” series.

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!