Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Jennie Marts to HJ!
Hi Jennie and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, It Started with a Cowboy!
Please share your favorite scenes from It Started with a Cowboy:
I had such fun writing It Started With a Cowboy. This book is about Colt James, the third and youngest of the James brothers. A car accident ruined his shot at a professional hockey career and messed up his love life, so 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. But her 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 and Chloe are both a little shy and awkward, but also such good people, and they make an adorable pair. I had so many favorite parts in this book, it’s hard to pick just a few.
So much of this book is about taking chances and being brave and going after what you want instead of letting fear hold you back. I loved putting both Colt and Chloe into situations where they had a chance to dig deep and find their courage, and sometimes they failed, but sometimes they succeeded and surprised even themselves.
Colt convinces Chloe to help him coach the youth hockey team after Maddie, a girl in her class, decides she wants to be on the team. But neither Chloe nor Maddie know how to skate. I really loved the part of the book where Colt takes Chloe to the ice rink after it’s closed and teaches her how to skate.
She gripped his hands, afraid to let him go as she glanced up at him. His body was relaxed, completely comfortable on the ice. He’d taken off his jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his flannel shirt to reveal muscled forearms. The blue stripes in the fabric brought out the bright–blue color of his eyes, and looking into them made it hard for her to breathe. “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. “If you think you’re going to fall, just go with it. Relax your body, and take the fall.” He pulled her along the ice, keeping his gaze fixed on hers. “Besides, falling isn’t so bad.”
“Falling is how you get hurt.”
He gave her a slow wink followed by one of his charm–filled grins. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you. I won’t let you fall.”
Too late.
Chloe was chunky as a girl and grew up with an abusive father, so she finds it really hard to believe in herself, and doubly hard to believe that a guy like Colt James, this crazy hot cowboy, would be interested in her. I had a great time finding ways for Chloe to discover her own courage and to step out of her comfort zone and be bold. One of my favorite scenes in the book happens after Colt accidentally finds her in a bathtub of bubbles (as one so often does). She’s wrapped in a towel and he sees the bruises on her skin from where she’d been attacked. He wants her but doesn’t want to take advantage of her when she’s in a vulnerable state.
“Chloe, just listen. It’s not that I don’t want to…that I don’t want you. I do. And it’s killing me to say this, because I want you so bad, it freaking hurts. I want to kiss you and touch you. I want to take you to my bed and spend the whole day exploring every inch of your gorgeous body.” He let out a breath, his brows drawn together as if saying the words actually pained him. “But you’ve just been through this whole traumatic ordeal, and I want to give you time to heal. Someone hurt you, and I don’t want to be a jerk by not giving you the space you need. The last thing I want to do is make you feel uncomfortable. And I don’t want to take advantage of you.”
Chloe stood perfectly still, as if her feet were glued to the tile floor. A cool drop of water dripped from a tendril of her hair and trickled down the front of her neck and into the terry cloth of the towel. Her skin was so hot that she wouldn’t have been surprised if the drop had evaporated into steam.
She tried to take in everything Colt had just said. She wasn’t sure she’d heard it all over the rushing in her ears that sounded after he’d said he liked her exactly like that and had been thinking about her for months. Then why had he pulled away when she’d kissed him at the rink? Why hadn’t he kissed her back?
Oh, for flint’s sake, what the French toast was she doing wasting time analyzing what happened a few days ago? It didn’t matter now. What mattered were the crystal–blue intensity of Colt’s eyes and the passion behind his words. He’d said he wanted her, said he liked her.
His words touched her, and she could appreciate the sentiment, and the chivalry, behind them. But she wasn’t a victim. She wasn’t a poor, helpless woman who needed space. A flaming–hot cowboy had just told her that he wanted to take her to his bed and explore her body. That was what she needed. Not space, not coddling. Despite the chill of the wet towel, her body was on fire and she wanted him, needed him.
Something inside her snapped, the deep part of her that had been fantasizing about this moment. The part that had been dreaming this could come true. And she knew in her heart this was the moment she’d been waiting for—-her chance to risk something, to be daring and fearless. She’d never wanted anything as much as she wanted Colt James, and this was her chance to grab him. No guts, no glory.
I can do this. I just need to pretend to be someone else. Someone who is brave and daring.
Her eye caught the swish of Agatha’s tail from where she lay next to the vanity, and Chloe knew that was the answer. She needed to think like a cat. Cats were bold and didn’t care what other people thought. They took what they wanted; they were adventurous and playful. She wrenched up her inner feline, brought her to life, and steeled herself to play.
I am woman, hear me roar. Or at least meow very courageously.
She reached for the knot securing the towel around her chest as she raised her chin and offered him her most seductive stare. “I like you too. And I love that you don’t want to push me, that you want to give me space, but I don’t need space. I need you. And I want you to take advantage of me. Right now.” She inhaled a breath as she took a step back and released the towel, letting it drop to the floor.
Whew! Aren’t you dying to read what happened after Chloe dropped that towel?
Colt sometimes sees Chloe as a skittish colt, but he really loves her, and he continues to build her up and empower her to see her own value.
His words soothed her battered heart, touching a part of her that she normally kept locked away. She wanted to believe him, to see herself through his eyes, but it was hard to shake the years of being told she was worthless.
And I love when she really starts to come into her own and find her courage and accept that she really is worth something and that she is brave and fun.
She was putty in his hands, and all she wanted was to have him touch her. She craved the feel of his hands, his lips, his tongue, as he explored and discovered what she liked and how she wanted to be touched, to be caressed, to be stroked. She came alive under his touch—-arching and sighing, telling him what to do. She’d never been so brazen, so bold, never experienced such raw sensual need.
This isn’t me, she kept telling herself. But maybe it was. Maybe this was the woman she was always supposed to be. Maybe it was okay to be wanton and sexy and to stop overthinking this whole thing and just let herself feel it, experience it. Who cared if her perfectly made bed was messed up? Who cared if her lover—-gah—-her lover’s clothes were strewn across her house? Seriously, what had happened to his socks?
This could be her. The new her. The new Chloe who had hot, crazy sex with a handsome cowboy, and coached a hockey team, and who stayed up way past her bedtime. Even on a school night.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
I really hope you love Colt and Chloe’s story. I have had such fun writing about all the James brothers and creating these ranch families and this small town in Colorado where the cowboys also play and coach hockey. The James brothers were raised by a single mom and their loyalty to her and to each other is fierce. Every book in this series shows scenes between these brothers and their mom and readers can see the fun they have and the love they have for each other. And yes, Aunt Sassy shows up in this book, as well.
My word for the year is Fearless, so I’m spending 2019 trying to find some of my own courage, and I’d love to hear from you about a time when you found yours. Leave a note in the comments about a time you did something brave, even if it was as simple as speaking up or going out to an event when you’d rather stay home. We all need to celebrate our victories of finding our own courage!
I am wishing you a year filled with daring and fearless moments and I hope you love reading about how Colt and Chloe find their courage and each other!
Thanks for having me.
Thanks for blogging at HJ!
Giveaway: Paperback copy of It Started with a Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence Book 3) by Jennie Marts
To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: My word for the year is Fearless, so I’m spending 2019 trying to find some of my own courage, and I’d love to hear from you about a time when you found yours. Leave a note in the comments about a time you did something brave, even if it was as simple as speaking up or going out to an event when you’d rather stay home. We all need to celebrate our victories of finding our own courage!
Book Info:
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.
Book Links: Amazon| Barnes & Noble| iBooks| Indiebound| Books-a-Million
Meet the Author:
Jennie Marts is the USA Today bestselling author of award-winning books filled with love, laughter, and happily ever after. She is living her own happily ever after in the mountains of Colorado with her husband, two dogs, and a parakeet that loves to tweet to the oldies. Her books include the contemporary western romance Hearts of Montana series, the romantic comedy/ cozy mysteries of The Page Turners series, the hunky hockey-playing men in the Bannister Brothers Books, and the small-town romantic comedies in the Lovestruck series of Cotton Creek Romances.
Mary Preston
Courage is a good word. I recently questioned a plumber’s account. It seemed way too high. He did amend it – eventually.
Jennie Marts
Good for you for protecting yourself and your money! 🙂
tonyamlucas
Happy Early Easter. I found my courage when in 2000 I found out I had cancer and being a heavy drinker my body couldn’t fight it. So I knew I had to get sober. I went to a treatment center in September 24, 2000 and I’ve been sober since. This year on September 24th I’ll be 19 years sober and I’m cancer free. It took so much courage to admit I was an alcoholic and to become sober. I thank God everyday because he’s who keeps me sober. The love of reading has been instrumental in my staying sober too. I can go anywhere and escape into a book. Being fearless is a hard thing, but a person can do it if they set their mind straight.
janinecatmom
The bravest thing I ever did was ask my ex husband for a divorce. I actually went to a therapist to make sure I was doing the right thing and to lean to have the courage to go through with it.
sejoc1968
Anything I’ve ever done in my life that required my feet being off the ground has been a huge accomplishment for me. I’m so petrified of heights that I have a hard time getting on a step stool. My unwillingness to be left behind by my friends and siblings throughout my life has made me step out of my comfort zone on tons of occasions. I have MS and in 2009 when I was having an MS flare I broke my ankle. When I came out of surgery I had already lost my ability to walk and it only got worse from there. I ended up a quadriplegic by the time I stopped getting worse. So picture me the person that doesn’t like being off the ground have to go from wheelchair to bed to exercise table etc etc on a sliding board when I only have butt muscles, elbows and shoulders functioning. It was beyond terrifying. The whole process of regaining my abilities was terrifying but it had to be done because I had too young daughters to get home to and I couldn’t go home because my home was not handicap accessible. I’ve never read one of your books and a giveaway is an awesome way to find a new author to add to my go to authors list.
laurieg72
When my second child turned 5 we were out of town visiting his paternal grandparents house for Thanksgiving. Suddenly he became so ill he couldn’t walk. He developed a rash on his legs and he had a fever. We rushed him to Milwaukee’s Children’s Hospital. There they diagnosed him with an autoimmune disease. it was an extremely difficult time as I had 3 other children 7,3 and 4 months old. Luckily, he recovered. It was the scariest, most emotional time for me trying to keep a positive outlook for my son and his siblings. Plus I had to travel 2 hours to see his doctor. I relied a lot on my husband , my family, my neighbors and GOD.
Lori R
I moved 3 hours away from home for my first job teaching. Jobs were scarce.
Lynne Brigman
I found my courage when I let myself love again. I was married for 11 years and it wad not the best. I have to beautiful children from this marriage. My husband was good but he let drugs rule his life. He became violent. Only with me not the kids. After going through that I said I would never trust any man my heart again. Dale was a friend who was there for me and the kids. Over time friends turned into lovers. He taught me to trust and love again. We have been married for 25 years this year.
Joy Tetterton Avery
I confronted my sister letting her know everything she’s missed out on because of her and my other sister’s treatment of me. This was after being quiet for 35 years
Amy R
When I switched jobs after 10yrs at my previous job.
Kate Sparks
Riding a bike in my 60’s!!
Tammy Y
Moving across the country without a job
isisthe12th
Diving off a bridge into a lake/reservoir was on of the bravest/stupidest thing I have ever done. Thank you
Pat Lieberman
I don’t like driving when I am not sure where I am going and I am proud of myself when I do that and do not get lost. Not a big thing compared to other things people face.
Kathleen Bylsma
Allergy testing for drugs I was anaphalactic to and allowing my back to be injected with steroids….never do that again!
anxious58
I’m finding my own courage in 2019 too, doing more things with people. I’m not much of a people person but I figure this year I’d give it a shot.
Caro
I blush when put on the spot, so I HATE public speaking. Hate it for everyone looking at me and then I blush and then I get more nervous and it’s a mess, lol.
However, back in college I had to do a lot of presentations in front of my peers. It was a must, and in the end I got used to just a bit more (even though I still hated it). Anyway, by the end of my last year, one of my professors congratulated me on my public speaking! 🙂
I still hate it and I haven’t done in years, but I know the day I have to, I’ll be a little come confident in myself.
Nicole (Nicky) Ortiz
Moving to another state.
Thanks for the chance!
dholcomb1
I’ve done a lot of things which some would consider fearless–nothing life-threatening–and I believe all made me a stronger person
d
Laurajj
I have always had a fear of swimming since I was little and fell off the dock at our cabin. Finally….I learned to swim again! It has taken a long long time….but I can enjoy it once again!
Banana cake
I became disabled when I was 29 and need crutches to walk and often use a mobility scooter. I used to be a shy girl who would let people do things they shouldn’t and not say anything but I now don’t look the other way. If you park in a handicap spot and don’t have a tag I will hunt you down. I’m not afraid to speak up for myself luckily I live in Texas now and people here are so nice.
bn100
travel alone
Shannon Capelle
When I was 19 and was pregnant with my daughter and my mom kicked me out of my house and the father didnt want to have a child, I did it on my own
BookLady
I showed courage when I moved across the country for a new job.
[email protected]
A deputy came to our house once and made us give a car to my ex son in law .I called for the sheriff and he wouldn’t come said his deputy knew what he was doing.We had a clear title owed nobody .I sued them and got 100,000 .I ended up with 50,000 from the county my lawyers got 50,000 and I got $5000 from the ex son in law for a $3500 car he got that tore up after he got it.
eawells
Moving far away from my family, relocating for a job and so hubby could go back to school.
Linda Herold
The bravest thing I have ever done is asking my husband to move out.
Jana Leah
After college, I moved across the country without a job & not knowing anybody near where I moved.
Patricia B.
We are busy and often overly involved, quietly, with many non-profit organizations. However, in the past couple of years we have been a bit more outspoken. We live in an overly conservative area firmly behind gun rights, against the LGBTQ movement, the home of the KKK, and conservatively religious. It is becoming more difficult to remain silent. Sadly, discussion isn’t really possible. I participated in the women’s march with my daughter and granddaughter, although my daughter was a bit concerned there would be an incident endangering her 6 year old. My husband and I have taken part in a few other marches and rallies on gun violence and intolerance. I am speaking out more often and not letting certain types of comments slide. I am trying to make them realize what they are saying and hoping they will become a bit more understanding and tolerant.
Irma
I flew on a plane recently!
lapsapchung
It might sound really wet to you, but last year I went to the dentist after having avoided them for years because of dental phobia.
Jane Willis
Kathleen O
Moving to a new city for my job when I was in my 40s. This was a monumental undertaking for me.
Daniel M
nope, always backfires
Colleen C.
Had courage the first time I lived on my own…
Glenda M
I moved cross country to a temporary job. Twenty eight years later I’m still here.
Ellen C.
Marching at Women’s March and at a Science March. (I tend to be quiet and protests aren’t usually my thing.)
Terrill R.
Although it’s been years and I don’t think of it as fearless any longer, it definitely was at the time. I was the first person in my family to go to college and finish my degree. I did everything on my own and without encouragement from others.
Jennie Marts
Oh my gosh! I am moved and touched by all of the courageous things you all have done! whether they were big or small, they were big to you, and you each overcame hard things! I’m impressed and awed by you all! I hope you enjoy Chloe’s story and root for her as she finds her bravery. Thank you everyone who had the guts to share! <3 Your words mean so much to me!