You Had Me at Cowboy

Cowboys of Creedence #2

by Jennie Marts

Mason James is the responsible one who stayed behind to run the ranch while his brother, Rock, took off to play professional hockey. Women have used him before to get to his brother--and Mason intends never to get burned again. But after he meets quirky Tessa Kane at his brother's wedding, Mason discovers he's ready to take a chance on love. Tessa Kane is a reporter on the verge of losing a job she desperately needs--unless she's clever enough to snag a story on the famous Rockford James. But when she falls for her subject's brother, she's caught between a rock and a hard-muscled cowboy. What will happen when Mason finds out who she really is? Contains mature themes.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Westerns, Audiobook, Fiction, Adult

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2018

About the author

Jennie 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.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Had Me at Cowboy is book two in the Cowboys of Creedence series by Jennie Marts. I loved the first book, the pro hockey player, Rockford’s story in Caught Up in a Cowboy. So I was very excited to get Mason’s story!

Mason James is the responsible brother. He runs his family’s ranch, the Triple J Ranch, and loves his life. But he has always been sort of in the shadow of his famous hockey player brother, Rock. He loves his brother, but Mason has been used more than once by women to get closer to him. It’s a hurt that is not easily gotten over for him. It’s just a few days until Rock and Quinn’s wedding and all of the pre-wedding festivities are in full swing. Tonight is the pre-wedding party with all of Rock’s teammates attending. When Mason goes to find a mop in the broom closet, what he finds instead is a beautiful half dressed woman!

Tessa Kane is having the worst day. First, she drove all the way from Denver where she lives to Creedence, Colorado for a blind date at a wedding. Only she got stood up. Then it was one thing after another piled on top of that. Her boss even called her to fire her, over the phone from the magazine she works at! But when he realized where she was, whose wedding she was at, he told her if she could get the dirt on the famous Rockford James and his bride to be, she could keep her job. So now she is in the broom closet trying to change her ruined shirt when the hottest cowboy she has ever seen walks in on her.



Mason has no idea where this woman came from but all he does know is that he wants to know more about her. And she is obviously in need of some help. So he invites her to be his date for the wedding weekend. He is tired of his well meaning family giving him a hard time about being single so a date will help keep them all happy. But really, he just wants to spend some time with this mystery woman.



Tessa is flat broke due to a huge mistake her grandmother made. She can’t lose her job. If she does, her grandmother will lose her house. The longer she spends with Mason, though, she feels something happening between them. She really likes him. But the one thing Mason has said he hates more than anything else is lies. And if he knew why Tessa was really there, trying to get dirt on his brother, he would never forgive her. Not to mention how much it would hurt his family, the family that had been more than kind to her and had accepted her without hesitation.



This was such a sweet book. Tessa and Mason were perfect together. But Tessa is in such a hard spot. She needs this story to survive. Mason has begun to care deeply for Tessa but still knows so little about her. And those past hurts are always right there in the back of his mind ready to jump out. You will also get to know Tessa’s crazy grandmother. She really does have a knack for making very bad decisions. I also loved getting this little peek into Rock and Quinn’s life again. I fell so in love with them in the first book.



If you enjoy hot cowboys, close knit families, plenty of smexy scenes along with humor and sweetness, this series is for you. I look forward to the next book, their brother, Colt’s story in It Started With a Cowboy.

For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
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[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Had Me at Cowboy by Jennie Marts is a 2018 Sourcebooks Casablanca publication.

Tessa’s date for a wedding she didn’t even want to attend in the first place, stands her up. Before she can get away, though, her boss rings and informs her, she’s been fired, until he realizes she’s at the wedding of the famous hockey player, Rockford James. If she can get a juicy scoop, she will get to keep her job.

Mason James, Rock’s brother, isn’t a hot shot athlete. He’s a rancher, the one keeping the family land up and running. It's in in his blood, but unfortunately, he is often overshadowed and used to get close to his more famous brother.

He’s told over and over again, that someday he’ll meet the right girl, that he'll be the next one to get married. But Mason is fine being single- until he meets Tessa Kane.

You’ve heard of ‘cute meet’ before- but Mason and Tessa’s introduction is more like ‘awkward, beyond embarrassment, meet.” Mason, the gentleman that he is, offers to be Tessa’s date for the wedding. The more they see one another, the deeper they fall, but Tessa isn’t telling Mason the truth about her job, deceiving him, while gathering information for her article.

She's ridden with guilt and shame for her duplicity, but due to the financial straits she and her grandmother are in, she has no choice but to continue with the lie.

Mason is the quintessential cowboy through and through. He’s polite, gentlemanly, and falls head over heels for Tessa. He also seems to live by a certain creed and moral code, which means he loathes liars…

Uh oh.

Yes, trouble is brewing. Love can make us do stupid things, but it can also make us step up and do something we didn’t think we could, which is the best part of the story. Life is full of mistakes and conflicts, but it’s important to fight through it, because that one special person makes it all worthwhile.

I really liked the characters in this one. The momentum and pacing dragged in a few places, but overall this a very solid romance novel. There’s a little something for everyone in this one, from humor, an adorable pet, a few emotional moments, and a little steam, along with all that romance, plus the ending is just too cute!!

Contemporary romance lovers can’t go wrong with this one.

[Jen (jenslostinthepages) ♥Star-Crossed Book Blog♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

***4.5/5 Stars***

You Had Me at Cowboy was such a sweet, heartwarming story. It was filled with strong families, sexy cowboys, adorable pets and I loved how friendship, trust, love and second chances were strong themes. And while this could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting with Caught Up in a Cowboy. That's where you first meet the James family, who are now preparing for a wedding.

No stopping whatever this crazy thing was that was happening between him and this woman he’d just met. Although it didn’t feel like they’d just met. It felt like he’d known her forever.

Tessa Kane was having the worst day ever. In those first few pages, when she arrived at the pre-wedding activities as someone's date, I was already cringing and laughing out loud. And just when things started to turn even worse, in walked Mason James. Not only did he come to her rescue, Tessa eventually realized that Mason was the ticket to keeping her job. She was supposed to get an exclusive interview with the famous NHL groom, Rock. And Mason was Rock's brother.

He wanted to touch her, to taste her, to adore her.
She was his fantasy.

I loved that Tessa and Mason clicked right away. Their friendship and chemistry were smile inducing and so much fun! I kept finding myself laughing at their antics and then sighing over their sweeter and sexier moments together. What was happening between them felt so magical, as if it was meant to be. But Tessa was just here for the story, so she could save her job which would help save her Grandma's house. But even she couldn't deny what was going on between them. It all felt so true in her heart.

He knew the right thing to do, the chivalrous thing. Finding his voice, he leaned toward her ear. “I’ll give you some privacy and see if I can find you some dry clothes.”
She whispered one word, but he heard it as clearly as if she’d shouted.
“Stay.”

You have to meet Mason James! I was obsessed and easily found myself enraptured by that cowboy. Mason was seductive, hilarious, thoughtful, compassionate and caring. Yet he was definitely guarded. Women had used him in the past to get to his famous brother. So my heart hurt for him and I understood why he didn't have a date to his brother's wedding. That was until he crashed into Tessa and later asked her to be his date for all of the wedding activities. Mason thought he finally found a woman that wanted only him. And I was so nervous, because I was waiting for everything to explode.

As much as she wanted to tell him the truth, to come clean about who she was and why she was really there, she wasn’t ready to let him go. Wasn’t ready to let this go.

Tessa found herself in a tough situation, and while I didn't agree with some of the choices she made, I more than got it. How could I not like her when Tessa was kind, funny, quirky, compassionate and had the hugest heart ever. I loved how she jumped right in to help others, and that was just one of the countless reasons why she fit in so easily with Mason's family. And then when I saw her interaction with Dewey, a dog, oh my heart. She was so sweet to him and little Dewey added so much heart to this story. But best of all, I loved how Tessa made Mason feel. It warmed me all the way to the tip of my toes. So, I just kept my fingers crossed because the truth was bound to come out. And I hoped it would all work out for the best!

Somewhere in the last few days, he had become all hers. And no matter what happened next, whether she stayed in his life to see where this led, or if she went back home after the wedding, Tessa Kane had ruined him for any other woman.

You Had Me at Cowboy was the perfect mix of sexy and sweet. I loved that we got to be in both Tessa and Mason's heads. And I loved that we got to spend time with all of our favorites from Caught Up in a Cowboy! Rock, Quinn, Vivienne and so many others graced the pages and it was absolutely perfect! Now I'm left excited for the next book. It's about the youngest brother in the James family. I fell in love with the moments between him and the girl he seemed interested in...it was all so adorable with a little bit of awkward thrown in. So I can't wait to read their story next!

PS Mimi, Tessa's grandmother, was hilarious. We didn't see much of her, but when we did, she had me rolling with laughter. Ohh Aunt Sass too. There's an ice sculpture scene between Aunt Sass and Mason that made me laugh so hard I cried!

PPS I know that I rarely give my opinion on covers, but the covers in this series are HOT. Having them on my Kindle isn't enough, I also need them on my bookshelf *fans face*.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

For more of my reviews, please visit:

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly had a hard time with this book. I felt, right from the beginning, that I knew what was going to happen. It was predictable but sweet and sassy with a little fun thrown in. Now, don't get me wrong, the characters were interesting and a little quirky … it was the storyline that was predictable.

Mason is a real cowboy. Working the family ranch, he's a little distrusting of any woman that comes into his life. They usually want to get close to him just to get close to his all-star brother. But, there is something different about Tessa. She's fun, interesting, isn't afraid of a little hard work and looks fantastic in a black lacy bra. He knows she is hiding something from him but can't figure it out. After one big misunderstanding, he thinks he finally figured out her secret and can't help but fall in love with her.

Tessa is hiding a big secret but not the one that Mason thinks. Yes, she lied to him but knows that, when he finds out the truth, he'll have nothing to do with her. But, her grandmother is in dire straights and she has no choice but to perpetuate the lie. Unfortunately, her heart is fighting with her head and she decides that it's time to come clean with the family and with Mason. It's also time to give her boss what she wants … not what he is demanding. But, is it too little, too late? Enter Mimi and her outrageous way of solving her problems. Will Mason forgive her? Will Mason give her a chance to explain and understand why she did what she had to?

Yes, You Had Me at Cowboy had an inevitable ending. What happened between the beginning and the end was actually very good. Besides Tessa and Mason, there were several sub-characters that played equally important roles throughout the story. From Rock to Quinn to Mimi, Aunt Sassy and the wonderful Vivienne James, I could help but smile when they were included in the story. And, of course we can't forget Dewey and Watson who just added joy to the story.

So, Jennie Marts may have let us know, right from the beginning, what was going to happen in this story but she did a wonderful job of filling in the blanks and giving us a cute and fascinating story. She showed us the meaning of forgiveness, of overcoming our fears and taking chances.

[Tzelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the ARC in exchange for an honest review***

First of all Jennie Marts is a new author to me!!
Mason's and Tess story was a mixture of romance & sweet cowboy!!It was lovely and overall a good book!!! I really enjoyed it !!!

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Mason and his journey! So emotional, sexy, witty and engaging from beginning to end. The uncertainty, secrets, raw feelings and undeniable passion! Loved it! Looking forward to returning to Creedence for the last brothers story and breathless to know more about him.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

You Had Me at Cowboy is the second story in the Cowboys of Creedence series. Although you don’t “have” to have read the first story, Caught Up in a Cowboy, I’d certainly recommend it for it’s a really good story that shouldn’t be missed, in my opinion.

Mason is a kind-hearted man who loves his ranch, his family and is simply waiting for that right woman to come along. And if he wishes she’d hurry up no one can blame him for that. Yet Mason has been used in the past to get closer to his famous hockey playing brother, Rock. Being lied to is probably his number one deal breaker in any relationship. He simply wants what we all do, to be loved and valued for himself alone.

Tessa is in a heap of trouble. Stood up at the pre-wedding activities of a wedding she didn’t even want to attend has left her embarrassed, fuming and fired by her boss at the magazine she worked for… fired until it’s discovered exactly where she is right now – at the wedding of a very famous hockey player and the scoop of a lifetime. Caught in the most irritating situation ever Tessa can walk away from the job and the wedding and start over – except for one small detail. Her grandmother has made yet another bad decision and will lose her home if Tessa has no income to help her. She sees no other choice but to search for that “scoop of a lifetime” and tell more than a few lies to some very good people. Trouble is, she’s going to break the heart of a very good man, and her own, if she follows through with that plan. Talk about backed into a corner with no way out.

You Had Me at Cowboy will break your heart, and eventually mend it back again. Mason and Tessa are so easy to like, and to even understand their situation from both sides. I loved their story, it’s full of banter, laughter, steamy moments and a growing love that can be crushed if they make the wrong decisions. It’s always a treat for me when given the chance to catch up with a previous couple, and being at Rock and Quinn’s wedding certainly qualifies. This one is full of secondary characters who will have you in stitches, an adorable dog who steals hearts and scenes, and a good man, a good woman who belong to each other… if they can get past how they started.

If you’re in the mood for a good story that will touch your heart, give you a few laughs and fill your need for a cowboy… then You Had Me at Cowboy is perfect for you. I’d recommend this story, the entire series – and we have another brother’s story to look forward to in April of 2019.

*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.*

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe I was in a mood (and NOT a good one, at that) when I started reading this book, because I was just not amused by the story at all.

Our heroine is one of those down-on-her luck, too-sweet-to-be-true, pushover types. She lives with her grandmother (who lost all her money to a Nigerian Prince email scam), drives a really old car, and is about to lose her job - unless she is able to get some dirt about the groom at a pre-wedding dinner party she’s about to attend. Only, her date is a no-show, and on the way into the dinner she gets pooped on by a bird. 🙄

Of course, in the middle of changing out of her shirt in a closet, the best man (and brother of the groom) walks in on her, because he’s looking for a mop. Or maybe it was a broom. I can’t remember.

At any rate, they hang out at the dinner party, have a good time, get soaked in a rainstorm...and because the best man is tired of everyone asking when he’s going to settle down and get married, he asks the heroine to hang around in town and pretend to be his girlfriend for the rest of the pre-wedding festivities over the next three days. Because, of course, the groom is rich and there’s a whole bunch of group activities

She agrees, but doesn’t have any place to stay in town (nor can she afford the gas to drive back and forth), nor any money to get a hotel room. So she decides to stay in her car. And during a terrible rainstorm during the night, rescues a stray dog, and gives him the last of the food she had with her.

And that was the last silly, ridiculous straw for me. The hero may have been sweet, but paired with a heroine prone to slap-stick catastrophes and tired, cliched descriptions (what exactly does it mean that “Mason’s face seemed to be chiseled from a fine block of marble”?), I just couldn’t keep reading. The over-the-top ridiculousness isn’t something I was in the mood for, and I doubt I ever will be. So I’m tapping out at 26 percent.

I’m thinking this may not be an author for me. I read the first book in this series because I was approved for the ARC of You Had Me at Cowboy, but didn’t really care for that one, either. I know not every author is going to be my cup of tea, or perhaps just not this series. Maybe I’ll give Ms. Marts another try. But I’m fairly certain I’m done with this series.

*thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh boy, what a dreadful day Tessa Kane is having at the start of this fun story! Having finally agreed to go on a date to the wedding reception for a local professional hockey star, her date rings to cancel. That's bad enough but then her boss rings to fire her from her job as a reporter . . . . until he learns just whose wedding she's invited to! He wants her to go in undercover to discover something about the bride and groom to write about. Now, you'd think that'd be enough but no, then a bird poops on her dress and she's locked herself out of her car  . . . . and there's more - but you need to read it yourself to find out just what happens next! A clue is that it involves the groom to be's cowboy brother, Mason James, mutual heated attraction and not quite telling all the truth....

I loved escaping into this fun, intriguing romance. There are great characters, including Tessa's grandmother and Mason's Aunt Sassy. There's also a delightful lost puppy that will win a place in your heart. Both Mason and Tessa are loyal to those they love, always doing their best to help them, sometimes to their own cost. However, through it all there's one thing that Mason can't stand and that's lies, so what will happen when he discovers just why Tessa initially wanted to continue to attend his brother's wedding? Can love find a way to bring these two together?

This is another great read from this talented author and one that I have no hesitation in highly recommending to anyone who enjoys escaping into family dramas and romance with well developed characters and plenty of humour.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and have chosen to read it; this is my honest review after doing so.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank the Author and Net Galley for giving me the ARC of this book.
I have not read the first book, but thinking of getting it too.
This story has it all for anyone over 2o that has had powerful order siblings to follow, hardships
and or guilt for an event you may or may not have caused. Are shy and prefer to stay in the shadows. And have felt like you had no choices left, even if you knew what you were doing was wrong. Mason feels like he has nothing to offer and feels unwanted.
I loved the way the story was written, Tess has hit bottom, thanks to a off beat grandma Mimi, and thinks she has only one way to help her. Then she meets Mason who has a rich pro Hockey star
older Brother, Rock who women have used him to get close too. Mason doesn't trust his own feelings anymore. When Mason and Tess meet accidentally it is one of the best parts of the story! Tess and Mason have wonderful chemistry right from the start. Add in some great family members, like Aunt Sassy and his mother Tess and the rest of Mason's family. The ranch, pets, bad guys, nasty boss who wants to fire her and lots of love and understanding. How could this not be a page turner!
Also the shy love scenes, and the really hot ones too. Something for everyone, grab some coffee and get to reading, your going to love it and have to keep reading till the end. Which is wonderful

[Deb Diem · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Had Me At Cowboy by Jennie Marts is a fast-paced contemporary romance with a western theme. Ms. Marts has delivered a well-written book. The characters in this book are totally awesome. Tessa is a reporter assigned to get the dirt on Rockford James. Through a series of mishaps and bad luck, she ends up attending a party with Mason, Rockford's brother. Mason and Tessa's story is loaded with drama, humor, sizzle and a bit of angst. I enjoyed reading You Had Me At Cowboy and if I hadn't just read a few reporters forced to write an article against their will stories, I'd have probably rated this 5 stars. I'm a little burnt out on them, so that's a personal preference. To other readers, this could easily be a 5-star read. I look forward to reading more from Jennie Marts in the future. This is a complete story, not a cliff-hanger.

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

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love heart warming, emotional romances & Jennie Marts has become one of my favorite authors. Tessa is a quiet, shy, unassuming woman who tries to sink into the shadows. The trauma after her parents died in a car accident pulled her personality further back. Mason has pulled back from the community because he feels he has nothing to offer anyone. If any girl shows an interest in him, he thinks they are trying to use him to get to his rich, hockey star brother, Rock. When Tessa & Mason run into each other, it’s instant chemistry. What’s Mason going to do when he finds out why Tessa is there?

Tessa & Mason are actually perfect for each other. They both see beyond what the public sees to the person behind. They’ve both been traumatized by events in their pasts that have shaped their personalities into what they are. This was another good story by Ms. Marts & I can’t wait for Colt’s story!

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! I loved the first book in this series, Caught Up in a Cowboy, and I didn't think Ms. Marts could top it. I was so wrong. Mason is just go much cowboy goodness you can't help but love him. He's rugged, sexy, and charming all rolled up in one gorgeous package. He's wary of being used by women trying to get to his brother so he doesn't let any woman close. Until Tessa Kane shows up. She is a bright light to his dark and seems a perfect match for Mason. She has a secret though. One that could ruin everything between them. In the end will she follow her heart?

Wonderfully written and these characters will steal your heart. I highly recommend this one.

[Eva Millien · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second Cowboy of Creedence romance is full of depth and emotionally gripping which tugs at the heartstrings. Mason and Tess are two strong, compelling characters that draw readers in to their story and refuse to let go. The romance is on the sweet side and the chemistry is electrifying but this relationship has a few downs before it can be called a relationship. Tess is torn between a rock and a hard place and due to Mason’s past, he wasn’t really wanting to take a chance on love, but all of this changes when the two meet in an unorthodox but charming way and the feelings escalate into them making a deal. The readers can’t help but get caught up in all the events that take place as the author brings her characters to life in a realistic way and the relationship proceeds in way that is believable. While the story may have a few moments that make readers leak a few tears, the story also has readers erupting in a few chuckles and grins and falling for all the characters.

The story is set a steady pace that adds to the suspense of the story, so that while everything happens in a short amount of time, so much is lived in that time. And the romance has quite a few extras that add fun and to help further the relationship along; sudden rainstorms, a cute little stray that steals hearts, and a Grandmother who adds incredulous trouble to the story, so there is now way not to enjoy this charming romance with sexy cowboys.

[Amelia Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for small towns, cowboys, and main characters with close-knit families. You Had Me At Cowboy by Jennie Marts checked each of those boxes for me in some very delightful ways.


Now, I will admit that Tessa Kane, our lead female, doesn’t have a lot in common with me… about eight inches of not in common. *insert hysterical sobs here* She is a tall, curvy heroine who curses her height and the extra weight she gained following a painful break-up. Have I mentioned that she is tall? All whopping five-foot one-inch of me envies the build she despises. But I digress.


In a scene that puts the “cute” in “meet cute,” Tessa and her half naked self meet the charming, tenderhearted, and disgustingly handsome Mason James. Within their first few hours together he manages to give her his clothes, feed her his Mama’s good old fashioned home cooking, get her caught in a rainstorm, and break into the car she locked her keys and change of clothes in. From the first covert glances and timid smiles you can feel their attraction.


Only one problem… Tessa carries a secret. A big one.


She’s only at the event where they meet to gain dirt on Mason’s brother, NHL pro Rockford, and his super quick marriage to former high school sweetheart turned rekindled flame Quinn. Even her undeniable and overwhelming feelings for Mason can’t deter her from her prize because the article about Rock and Quinn is the solution to a massive issue her grandmother has found herself in.


But this also led me to my biggest issue with this story. I don’t want to reveal any spoilers (my hair isn’t curly enough, my accent not British enough, and my fandom references are probably not specific enough). Tessa’s grandmother’s sudden appearance at the ranch and the catalyst behind it felt very contrived and unauthentic to me. It was a subplot that was presented and resolved too quickly and, as a reader, gave me the impression it was plunked in to up drama/tension when it wasn’t necessary. Tessa and Mason’s issues had that in the bag.


You Had Me At Cowboy had some tender and sexy moments in addition to cautious exploration as they test the waters of lust that turned to like and then grew to more. It is a sweet, contemporary romance with all the charm of small town life that has been touched by fame. Starring a hot rancher who is disillusioned with the masks created by his brother’s celebrity status and the girl who shines a light of hope into his grumpy world while hiding the truth that brought them together.


Check it out when it is released in November!


Happy reading!

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Tessa's parents died in a car accident when she was a young girl, her grandmother raised her so it's easy to understand why Mimi is the most important person for her and why she would do anything for her. So when her grandma lost all her savings because of an online scam, and in danger of losing her house, the reporter doesn't see an other choice than to accept her boss's ultimatum : get the in-depth details on Rockford James's, the NHL hockey player, sudden wedding. How fortunate that Tessa stumble upon one of Rock's brother at the prewedding party and that he ask her to be his date for the ceremony activities.

Girls and women used him before to get close to his famous brother, so Mason James became wary with them. He's the brother who stayed behind to take care of things and he's not the spontaneous kind. But he's so annoyed and tired to hear people remind him that he's still single and try to awkwardly reassure him that his time will come that he asked the stranger he just met to spend the weekend with him as his date to avoid the folk's comments. And for the first time, he have the feeling that a woman finally see him for him.

All that Tessa wanted was a story, to be able to repay her grandmother's debts and keep her job to regain the money she had to give to help Mimi, but of course, she had to fall in love during that time. But guilt and love doesn't mix too well.


I'm not a fan of the deception trope, but I still had a great time with this book. Mason and Tessa had a meet-cute and they were both lovable characters with big hearts. The weakest part was Tessa's grandmother. For me, she was much too naive to be believable and her reactions over the top.

I'll be waiting for the third brother's story, Colt and the teacher :p

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to preface this review with two facts. Firstly, I’ve never read anything by Jennie before so I don’t know her writing style at all and secondly, when I received this copy I didn’t realise it was part of a series. I was drawn in by the cover and the title, which let’s be honest, the saying never judge a book by its cover.....not true for me....I always do and it’s a win win😀

Tess is in the worst spot of her life and agrees to write a story about the famous NHL player Rock, who’s home for the summer and marrying his high school sweetheart. She agrees to this in an attempt to save everything her and her grandma have! But Tess doesn’t count on meeting Mason, Rock’s sexy as sin and charming brother. They agree to pretend to be a couple for the weekend of wedding shenanigans, but get more than they bargained for😍 Will Mace be able to forgive her once her real intentions are known or will she go back to her grandma with her tail between her legs?

A great story and I’m keen to read how Rock and Quinn got together and also more about his other brothers, Ham and Colt! Thank you to Netgalley and Jennie for my advanced copy for which I leave my honest review.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually prefer to read historical romance, but sometimes I like to venture into the world of contemporary romance. Jennie Marts is a new author to me, and this book of hers was a perfect accompaniment to a long holiday weekend. Cowboys, a heroine with a realistic body type, a cute dog and a hell-on-wheels grandmother...what more could you ask for?

Tessa was stood up at a wedding, then received a call from her boss firing her. When he finds out whose wedding she's attending, he agrees to let her keep her job if she does an expose' on the groom for her magazine. Then she meets a man she is instantly attracted to, Mason, the brother of the groom-who has been used by women before to get close to his famous brother. Oh, dear. Poor Tessa is in quite a pickle.

Now normally I don't care for stories in which one of our leads is deceitful; however, it works here. Tessa is such a likeable character, and her motivation is pure. The romance between Tessa and Mason is cute, funny and nicely steamy. The supporting characters are great, especially Dewey the stray dog (thank goodness he wasn't a killer clown!) and Mimi, Tessa's colorful grandmother. This was such a fun, sparkly story, with a few tears thrown in for good measure. Settle in with a cup of cocoa and this book for a perfect evening.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and flirty, with a likable female protagonist who loves her grandmother.
The book starts with Tess taking a huge risk, agreeing to a blind date to help out a friend, only to get stood up, and worse, at a wedding full of celebrities and no one she knows. She gets fired from her job, and if home wasn't down hill, her car wouldn't have the gas to get there. An ultimate bad day.
She does meet a handsome cowboy, just not while looking her best. They agree to help each other out of an awkward situation. Tess is given the opportunity to make some money, although it requires her to step further out of her comfort zone. Even at her lowest, Tess does what she can to help others in need, including an adorable, if scruffy and smelly, dog. Ok, this book pulled my heartstrings.
Tess and her cowboy end up getting to know each other better. While still clean, things get very steamy. As it seems there is a true love connection being made, the situation gets more complicated. However, the author gives us reason to smile even as the tension remains vibrant, expecting the uncomfortable information to be exposed. When it finally happens and you think that is ALL Tess has to handle, my heart was nearly torn apart with more about the dog! Tissue Alert!!
Don't let that stop you from reading because there is more to the story.
She may have had me pick up this book promising hot cowboys, but she kept me with a strong story, wonderful characters and an amazing ending.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

This is Mason's story. Mason has a classic case of what I like to refer to as "middle child syndrome". Not as a good as his older brother and not as a cute as his younger.

Granted, Rock is a pro hockey player and has lived a life outside of their small hometown in rural Colorado. Mason is running the ranch, doing everything he can to keep it operational with the help of his mother and younger brother. He's always felt that he has lived his life in Rock's shadow. Especially when it comes to women. More than once, a woman has used him as a way to get closer to his brother.

When he meets Tess, he's open and honest about the fact that he hates reporters and being lied to. And of course, Tess is lying to him. She has to if she wants to keep her job as a reporter for a magazine. She has to get the scoop on Rock's engagement or she's out of a job - for good this time.

Tess is fighting demons of her own, and trying to save her grandmother's house from foreclosure by doing something that she truly hates: infiltrating a nice family all so she can keep the roof over her head.

I enjoyed the book, but I felt the ending drama with her grandmother was a little far-fetched and rushed.

~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: You Had Me at Cowboy
Author: Jennie Marts
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Series: Cowboys of Creedence Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"You Had Me at Cowboy" by Jennie Marts

My Rationalization:

I enjoyed this standalone read "You Had Me at Cowboy." It was quite interesting when Mason who was used to standing in his brother Rock's [professional hockey player]shadow and losing many girls he had met to him. However, when he meets Tessa for some reason he thinks his luck as changed. There will be plenty of twists and turns with 'major missteps and partial truth along with heard headedness that will be presented until they find their way to a HEA.' This story was quite a read where this author brings us quite a good read of its description of a town and what can happen to its town, its beautiful scenery, along with some very interesting characters [Tessa's grandma Mimi] and oh yes a puppy that will add to this entertaining good story.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Had Me at Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #2) by Jennie Marts
4 stars
M/F Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

This is the second book in this series and while it's not necessary to read book 1 to understand, it will help with character development.

Mason is a rugged, true to form cowboy. He loves his ranch. He loves his family. What he doesn't love is feeling like he's being used as a stepping stone for people to reach his famous, NHL star brother. Mason loathes liars. When his brother gets married, Mason has to hear from everyone around that he will be next... that there will be someone out there for him. There's only so much Mason can take before he's ready to leave the festivities.

Tessa is down on her luck. So down on her luck, but hoping to catch a break. With her grandma accidentally sending away their entire savings to the Nigerian prince scam, Tessa knows that she needs to figure out how to save their house. Also, Tessa isn't the most confident woman. When she finds herself stood up at a party - she thinks it can't get any worse. Then, she loses her job...Just great. As she is pondering how much worse the night could get, she happens to wander in to Mason.

The sparks that fly between these two are amazing. I loved how they bantered back and forth. Tessa is nervous because while she is not out right lying, she is lying by omission. She also knows how much Mason hates liars. Mason can't help but be overjoyed that he found Tessa. Could this be his luck turning around?

I loved how this story unfolded. The secondary characters were hilarious and helpful when necessary. I also really enjoyed watching Tessa and Mason get to know each other. They both had some growing to do and in the end, had to figure out if what the felt for each other was worth fighting for.

I really hope there is another book!

[Linda Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book! I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the Cowboys of Creedence series, and, if possible, this book is even better. I found myself totally engrossed from the very first page and hooked until the very last page. Tess's story (and back story) captivated me and had me rooting for her to get her HEA ending, especially if you could have a chance to have it with Mason, Rock's much lower profile brother. In the past, Mason has been convinced that women were only interested in him to get to his superstar hockey player brother, Rock, so the idea that a woman is interested in him, for himself, is too much to hope for. Then, when Tess's job has the potential to blow up their budding relationship, Mason is convinced he was right all along to not trust women.

This book literally had me flipping pages just as quickly as possible. If you are a fan of the genre, you will love this book. Put this at the top of your TBR list as this one is a must read! The author is on my must read authors' list.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 2 out of 5]

You Had Me at Cowboy by Jennie Marts
Cowboys of Creedence #2

Light easy romantic read that is predictable from beginning to end. If you are looking for a story with likable characters that are almost too nice this might be the book for you.

Down on her luck Tessa is in need of a big story to retain her job and make money to bail her grandmother out of financial woes brought on by scam artists. Meeting Mason, brother to a wealthy famous hockey player, might provide the opportunity for her to get a scoop, write it up and sell it.

I have to admit I skimmed this book rather than reading every word. I have had mixed results with this author’s books but will give one more a try. It was okay but not my favorite by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley an Sourcebooks-Casablanca for the ARC – This is my honest review.

2-3 Stars

[K is for Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, great second installment in the “Cowboys of Creedence” series. The book can definitely be a stand alone. I didn’t realize, I had read the first installment “Caught up in a Cowboy” until into the first few chapter. You might like to read that book first, since you will want to read it., and was just as good.

This is the story of the youngest of three brothers, Mason. Mason has been burned more than once by thinking girls are interested in him. Later to find they were really interested in meeting his older brother Rock, a famous hockey player. Did I mention all three brothers are hard working, nice guys who happen to be hunks. Happy to recommend. Now I am waiting for the last brother, Colt’s story.

[Stacy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing and emotional read. I couldn't put this down.

There were so many things I liked about this book. I loved the chemistry between the leads. I also loved the banter. Holy buckets, Mason was one steamy cowboy!! I also liked that Tess was relatable. There were times she was sexy and confident but yet there were times that she was a little more vulnerable. I liked that Mason recognized this and appreciated both parts of her.

The book was both wonderful and hard to read. It was like a train wreck that you couldn't stop but boy did you ever. From the very beginning I just "liked" Mason and Tess together. They fit if you will. However as the reader, you know the secret that Tess is keeping and it was hard to keep reading knowing that Mason was going to be devastated. I wanted to shake Tess and tell her that while I understand her reasoning for doing what she is doing, this just isn't right and you are going to hurt a good man. The writing was done so well that you wanted to finish it because you just wanted these two to work it out and get their happily ever after.

I also liked the character of Sassy and Tess's grandma.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Thine Own Self

Obviously this is a great cover and title; it made me want to read the book. And of course I've enjoyed other stories by Jenny Marts, so I knew it would be funny and real. Well, I'm delighted to report that this tale lived up to and exceeded every expectation. I laughed out loud, I teared up, I swooned, and I swept through the novel as if it were past due at the library. The blurb tells you all you need to know about the plot. And I'm telling you if that if you like cowboys and strong women (who may not believe in themselves but come to), and laughter and love, you have come to the right place. Happy reading!

[Karen Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Had Me At Cowboy by Jennie Marts is the second of her Cowboys of Creedance series and is a wonderful, heart-warming and emotion packed romance. Tessa and Mason each have baggage, but manage to see beyond the surface to the person who lies beneath. This couple have suffered heartbreaking loss, lack of self worth and a need for autonomy, but through it all they find each other and a new meaning to what life is really about. A great sequel to Caught Up in a Cowboy and one I’m sure many readers will adore.

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can true love happen in four days? Mason and Tessa prove it is possible. Through numerous events of misguided decisions, jealous middle child syndrome and a spitfire grandma these two make us believe. Mason is a manly man with chivalrous tendencies and a cowboy through and through. Tessa is on a mission trying desperately to help her grandma when she accidentally falls for Mason. It's funny and sweet, a truly enjoyable read. It is the second in a series but completely standalone from Rock and Quinn's story. I received a copy from Netgalley.