Caught Up in a Cowboy

Small-town roots collide with big-league ambition in Jennie Marts' first Cowboys of Creedence novel. NHL star Rockford James returns to his Colorado ranch town after injuries sideline his career, hoping to heal quietly. Instead, he comes face-to-face with Quinn Rivers, the girl he left behind years ago, who has since built an independent life for herself and her young son. The push-and-pull between Rock's desire for a second chance and Quinn's hard-won self-reliance drives a romance that is equal parts warm and emotionally honest.

Abby Craden brings genuine warmth to both leads, shifting naturally between Rock's easy confidence and Quinn's guarded vulnerability. Her pacing suits the story's small-town rhythms, letting quieter emotional moments land without rushing toward the next plot beat. Mart's dialogue-driven style plays particularly well in audio, and at just over nine hours, the runtime feels well-balanced for a satisfying, undemanding listen.