There’s nothing quite like a cowboy.

No matter how swoony the cute cowboy is, romance is the last thing on Carley Chapman’s mind.

But it’s hard to ignore Knox Garrison and the spark of attraction she feels every time he’s near.

When a water line break floods her building, she’s forced to move her salon out to the Horse Rescue ranch, and Knox shows up to help.

But things get even more complicated when Carley’s no-good ex comes sniffing around, and Knox “fixes” the problem by telling him they’re engaged…

Titles in the Creedence Horse Rescue series include — A Cowboy State of Mind —♥— When A Cowboy Loves A Woman —♥— How to Cowboy —♥— Never Enough Cowboy —♥— Every Bit A Cowboy —♥— A Cowboy Country Christmas —♥—

*I have read and enjoyed this series. However, the earlier reviews are on another blog of mine – I will only be linking the titles reviewed here to avoid linkage confusion. :)*

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

NetGalley ARC

Title:  Every Bit A Cowboy
Series:  Creedence Horse Rescue #5
Author:  Jennie Marts
Genre:  Modern Western Romance
Published:  March 7, 2023
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Every Bit A Cowboy is the fifth title in the Creedence Horse Rescue series… and I have to confess that I love this menagerie of animals at the ranch almost as much as I love the cowboys and their ladies!  If you haven’t yet begun this series, I would highly recommend that you get started right now, especially if you enjoy the shenanigans that only animals can provide.  Could you start right here?  Sure.  But there are lots of other great stories in store if you go back to the beginning, in my opinion.

A sudden building disaster means that Carley needs to move her salon temporarily out to the Creedence Horse Rescue Ranch.  And one of the hottest, nicest cowboys is there to help that move.  Not that Carley is interested in romance, no, her vile ex made certain that she’s not trusting any man as far as she can toss him, let alone agree to a relationship again.  Her ex has done a number on her belief in herself, and she is as skittish as a newborn foal when she realizes that Knox is flirting with her.

Then when Paul (the vile ex) comes sniffing around again, trying to get Carley back for his own purposes… well, Knox is having none of that and impulsively announces their engagement, to the surprise of everyone, including Carley.  He might have just made matters worse for the woman he’s coming to love, or it could have been the best move possible, only time and Carley have the answer to that.

I loved Knox.  He’s just, well, swoon-worthy.  He’s stubborn, yes, but he’s also kind, full of humor, loves animals, and is a protector to his core.  Carley broke my heart for what she’s been through, and it’s easy to understand her hesitation concerning Knox.  Yet, she’s also falling for the man who seems determined to build her self-esteem back up again and to love her exactly as she is.  Hard to fight against that, and she really doesn’t want to, but she’s scared to trust again.

I actually fell in love with a gas-filled pup.  The subject of animal abuse and neglect is tastefully and realistically mentioned.  You have to be lower than a snake’s belly to harm an innocent animal, in my opinion, so I was grateful to see this subject addressed.

I had such a good time back in this world.  If you love a fun, sexy, emotional romance with realistic characters… and adorable animals, then Every Bit A Cowboy should be on your radar.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*

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