Meant to Be by Maggie McGinnis.......5 Perfect stars for this fantastic book. I absolutely loved this story and characters, nobody does it as well as Maggie McGinnis. Shelby is a beautiful pop star that lost her father and her sales are down, she is breaking down emotionally and needs a break. Cooper is a hot ex-cop working as a cowboy at Whisper Creek to escape his issues from the police job and clear his head. When Shelby goes to the ranch with no bodyguard, the ranch put Cooper next door to help protect her. These two are both broken and need each other. Will they be able to make it work, you will have to read it to find out. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

4.5 Stars
I really liked this one. The characters were so enjoyable. I liked the banter between Shelby and Cooper. It was one of my favorite parts of the book. I did tear up a few times when Shelby talks about her dad. Both Cooper and Shelby are at pretty much the lowest points in their lives and meeting at Whisper Creek could be their saving grace. They give each other the hope for the next step in their lives. Cooper is great hero material. I loved the way he looks out for Shelby and his relationship with his little sister. I highly recommend this book.

I loved this book! Nobody writes a sweet, clean romance like Maggie McGinnis! Shelby and Cooper are one of my favorite book couples ever - they are perfect! This was such a sweet romance and I can't wait to read more by this author!

I am a huge fan of Maggie McGinnis with Meant to Be, Whisper Creek Novel 5 aa a clear example why. This author writes characters with such emotional depth that it is easy to understand and identify with them, no matter their walk-in life. Haven’t we all felt one time or another that we lost ourselves in the process of meeting obligations or fulfilling responsibilities set by others? That is exactly where Shelby Quinn and Cooper Davis are in their lives, after having some major shakeups.

This could have become a poor little rich girl story after reading Shelby thoughts while traveling to Whisper Creek Ranch but Ms. McGinnis’ amazing writing turned kept this story on the right track. Plenty of soul searching, then falling in love, one little piglet and just enough dramatic angst to make this an alluring read. It may seem to have a very different set of main characters but it stays true to the Whisper Creek Ranch Series. Meant to Be is easily read on its own but the others in the series are wonderful, too.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.

I cannot get enough of the Whisper Creek series by Maggie McGinnis! Her newest addition, Meant To Be, is another outstanding addition. Maggie has a remarkable ability to bring her characters to life and she has created a town that you wish you could jump into the pages and live there forever.

Shelby is trying to cope with the loss of her father. He was her everything and she seems to be a breath away from a complete breakdown. Her label sends her to hide out and Whisper Creek for a month. You can feel Shelby’s pain and her need to find herself, her true self, not what the record company has created over the years, her yearning to return to the joy she felt performing with her father.

Cooper knows what it’s like to lose everything. He lost it all when accusations and a bogus investigation cost him his badge and his family - even though he was cleared of any wrong doings. He found refuge working at Whisper Creek. Since he is former police, he is put in charge of keeping an eye on the “celebrity VIP” coming to the ranch. All they have is a first name, no history, no idea why she is hiding out.

I fell in love with Cooper and Shelby immediately. Even without knowing each other’s stories, there was a connection. As they both slowly opened up, the trust and connection blossomed so beautifully. The moment they shared after the day at the music store was so real, raw, heartbreaking and heartfelt. Like Shelby was finally able to truly grieve and at the same time celebrate her father with someone who knew and understood her.

I could go on and on about the story, the twists, challenges, triumphs, but this is something you just must read. Everything you look for in a romance, every emotion, the characters, the storyline, the writing, everything is exceptional.

With a perfect mix of sweet, tender love, humor and heartache the new installment to the Whisper Creek series stole my heart. The stories in the series have always been entertaining and cause of a many smiles, sighs, and laughs and Meant To Be was right there with the rest of them.
Shelby Quinn, the pop star, didn't have a diva bone in her. Rather she felt lost in the world of demands and expectations. She had been catered to most of her life and not by her choice. All decisions made for her by the label, she had zero control of her life and losing her beloved dad was just too much. She is talented, kind, caring, considerate person, weary and drained by the industry, waiting for her contract to run out like a person would count the days to be released from a prison.
Cooper Davis, the cop-cowboy with a guitar stole Shelby's heart with a plate of spaghetti. Cooper is jaded and disappointed with the events in Boston, now trying to find his way again until bad news from home destroy all the hope for future he had managed to build while in Montana. Cooper was such a great character, so perfect for Shelby, together they truly were harmonious. I enjoyed the connection they had, their chemistry was spot on. The passion and attraction between them were palpable, yet the most intimate moments were left behind the closed doors.
The story was entertaining while managed to touch so many emotions. There were smiles and sighs with the adoration and devotion between Cooper and Shelby, there were even laughs with the humor and light banter between Cooper and his sister. And there were tears when Shelby was mourning and remembering her dad's love and care. In so many ways a pleasant, pleasing, and enjoyable tale, a wonderful story about falling in love at the moment when you are at lowest point in your life.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

oooh, a cop turned cowboy! Who could ask for more? He also plays the guitar and sings and has the sweetest soul. He's practically perfect *sigh*

Cooper has been at Whisper Creek Ranch for a while when he's told he gets to "be friends" with the famous celebrity who's coming to the ranch for a month to hide out and relax. All they know is her name is Shelby. Shelby is famous, and not just as herself. She's also known as the pop singing sensation Tara Gibson. She's heart broken because her dad just died and it's been her and him since she was five. What follows is Cooper and Shelby falling in love while they are both hiding out, trying to figure out what to do with their lives.

This was sweet and touching. It was great to come back to Whisper Creek and see some of the other characters. But don't worry if you don't know any of the previous characters, this can easily be read as a stand alone.

*thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy of this with me*

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in the series, and whilst it would be richer for the back story of side characters, it is strong enough to stand alone. And after all, mixing a hiding out famous popstar with a delicious, newly minted ex-cop cowboy is undoubtedly a recipe for success!

Hiding a grieving popstar at Whisper Creek is one thing, but when she is being dumped there without any protection, Ma and the rest of the family know that she needs someone looking out for her. The task falls to Cooper; there only three months after having had to leave his life as a cop behind.

As we get to know Shelby and Cooper, we, from a distance, can see how their problems affect their potential relationship. Yet their mutual love of music gives them both a focus and a distraction from their worries. The humour is still strong in this episode, with Shelby's cooking experiences, and pet care being highlights!

I enjoyed spending some time with the girls from previous stories, and their friendship was invaluable in helping Shelby heal and to teach her what is real.

All in all, another good installment in the series. If you are looking for a sweet, fun, and engaging story, you have found it!

I received a free copy of this book to give an objective review.
The premise of this story is what intrigued me. I get so sick of rock star and pop star stories that it’s nice to see this one about an almost has-been. Being a pop princess was never her goal, she just wanted to sing her songs, but we know what labels do to pretty young things with a taste for fame. Shelby, well my heart goes out to her because she’s grieving and the people around her are trying to tell her how to grieve or modulate the way in which she grieves.
You know what I have to say to that…hell no!
Then there’s Cooper. Oh, Cooper, Cooper, Cooper. This guy is pretty darn amazing. He’s a former cop accused of something he didn’t do. The problem though, is that no one but his teenager sister believes him. He comes from a line of cops so now he’s feeling what it’s like on the other side of that blue line.
As you can see Shelby and Cooper have gone through some thangs in their respective lives, which is how they both ended up in big sky country. This was my first Whisper Creek novel and it’s the fifth in the story so we meet a few others who’ve already had their story told.
Maggie McGinnis wrote a really solid novel here. The writing was good, the characters developed with moments of laughter and tears and poignancy.
I just felt Meant to Be kind of dragged along at a pace too slow for me. I read it and enjoyed it but it felt like it took longer than it should. Part of that, for me, was Shelby. It took me a long, long time to warm up to her even though my heart went out to her over the death of her father, whom she loved very much.
She spent so much time complaining that people were always running her life—complaining as in she would like things to be different—yet when given the opportunity she does nothing of the sort. Even teenagers wait until they’re alone, the parents are gone before doing things they shouldn’t. But Shelby, nope.
And then everything picked up and I was grinning like a fool the entire last 30% of the book. The banter between Cooper and Phoebe, between Shelby and Cooper was all so hilarious and heartwarming and sweet as hell. If you would’ve asked me at 40% I would have told you “this is a good book.” But now I’m going to go back and start the Whisper Creek series from the beginning.
Maggie McGinnis you have a new fan in this girl!

Hot Damn! Save a horse ride a cowboy! I was lassoed in by this one. Sweet, Caring and Charismatic this cowboy romance will keep your fire smoldering with yummy goodness. This was my first Maggie McGinnis story and I am forever hooked.
Cooper Davis, what a hunk of burning love, this relatively new cowboy knows how to bring it. Even with all he has been dealing with, in his recent past, he knew how to heal her, gently, perfectly coaxing her, with sweetness and honesty.
Tara Gibson aka Shelby Quinn, grieving, broken hearted, pop princess finds herself in a secluded cabin at a dude ranch. Tormented by memories from all directions, landing in Carefree Montana, that was the exact sort of place her daddy had dreamed of owning someday. With a hunk of a charming, cowboy for a neighbor.
Maggie McGinnis brings her characters to life and the reader into their world with her descriptive words. This was just so warm, charming, with smoldering goodness, It set my heart a fluttering and left me breathless. Swoon! Don't miss this story, so delectable! Loved it! Highly Recommended!

I voluntarily requested an ARC through the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It seems that another broken hearted soul has found her way to Whisper Creek Ranch and the great blue sky of Montana.

Shelby Quinn -or as she is more famously known as-Tara Gibson, has just lost the most important person in her life. The man that made her fall in love with music and that encouraged her and stood by her every step of the way, her father. Shelby knows that things will never be the same for her. She is lost and so sad that she can barely function. Upon seeing her in this state her record lable decides to keep Shelby away from the limelight and sends her off to Whisper Creek Ranch for a month. Hoping that upon her return she will once again be the upbeat teen popstar that they shaped her to be. But it's not only the loss of her father that Shelby is mourning, it is also the fact that she no longer wants to be a glitter popstar singing lyrics that mean nothing to her. She wants to make music after her own heart but feels trapped. She finally finds salvation in the presence of Cooper Davis, the occupant of the cabin next door.

Cooper Davis has his own demons to fight. Being falsly accused of a crime that he had nothing to do with, he has had to leave his job, his family and home. He has been trying to find himself at Whisper Creek Ranch, working as a horse wrangler. He is given the job of protecting a VIP guest, having no clue as to who she is. All he knows is that she is suffering and is nothing like what he would expect a celebrity to be like. Shelby and Cooper may try to deny their mutual attraction, but it seems that somethings just can't be denied, no matter how many obsticles there may be in the way.

Another sweet and emotional romance by Maggie McGinnis. Hope that there will be many many more books to come in this addictive series!

Shelby Quinn, aka Tania Gibson, had just lost her father in an air accident. And when she saw so many unfamiliar faces at the her home, everyone drinking the best champagne and eating caviar (something her father hated), she knew something very wrong was going on.
Feeling utterly lost, her assistant, Nicola, arranged for Shelby to spend a month at a ranch in Montana to recover from her pain while the LolliPop studio staff cleared her image.

Shelby is alone for the first time. Since she had signed a contract with the studio at 16-year-old, she was accustomed to having all her guts satisfied, and at the same time she was good at obeying. Anything that made her look good to the public.

What she didn't know was that in the next cabin was a man hired to be a kind of bodyguard, but Cooper was really more concerned about wiping her tears away...

Cooper Davis, former officer, had been working for a few months at Whisper Creek Ranch. There he met friends and peace as he went through a not very pleasant period and found himself deprived of the company of his family, especially his younger sister, Phoebe.
When he is put in charge of Shelby, knowing that she was a celebrity but not knowing what she did for a living, he finds it strange that Shelby never leaves her cabin. And he always saw her on the balcony crying.
A few days later, he decides to put his plan into action. He wanted to see her happy and knew the air of Montana could help her.
There were several attempts until he convinced her to leave. And from there, the two were always seen together.

The period of a month that Shelby should have been there, and which she thought was at first too long, ends up becoming short, and who knows, she could stay there indefinitely. Because it was in Cooper's arms that she found a new meaning in life...

From the Calendar Men series, Cooper was not part of the team that made women sigh on the ranch's website, but he's definitely just become one of the local darlings.
Captivating romance and with some twists.
4,5 stars

Hailed by Christie Craig as “a witty new voice in contemporary romance,” Maggie McGinnis takes readers back to Montana’s sexiest dude ranch, where anyone can start over, and falling in love is just a beautiful twist of fate.

At twenty-eight, Shelby Quinn’s already a has-been. Scooped off a country stage at sixteen and remolded into glittery pop princess Tara Gibson, she toured the country for a decade, playing to sold-out stadiums while slowly losing her soul. Now her sales are waning, and when her beloved father dies in a fiery plane crash, she finally comes apart at the seams. Alone and brokenhearted, she hides away at Whisper Creek Ranch, never expecting to meet a man who understands her in a way no one else ever has.

Cooper Davis was one of Boston’s top detectives—until a bogus investigation cost him his badge, his family, and almost his life. Now he’s wrangling horses and guests at Whisper Creek Ranch, while keeping one eye firmly on a super-secret VIP holed up in a private cabin—a beautiful, soulful singer who knows what it’s like to lose everything. Cooper and Shelby both have ample reason to guard their hearts. But if they can learn to trust each other, something magical awaits them under the big skies and bright stars.

My favorite books are books about ranchers or just cowboys!! It's something about the visual you get. Yummy!! I sincerely liked this book. I thought that it had just the right amount of heat because I didn't want wham bam thank you ma'am. Call me crazy but there's too much of that in today's books and not enough plot. I'm always preaching about a good plot and this had it. It had fully developed characters that both had their problems and were working them out. Of course, you're not going to jump into the sack to fix your problems in real life - at least I hope you're not!! This book, to me, had it all and a great epilogue to boot. So if you're looking for a great weekend read with a hot cowboy (who used to have and use handcuffs in his old life) this is the book for you! That's a great visual, don't ya think? Pick this book up as soon as it comes out because you won't be disappointed. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone but I'd read all of the ones before just for the pleasure of them.

I was given a copy of this ARC from the publisher on NetGalley for an honest review. All of the above comments are my express opinions and no one else's.

Oh wow! This was such a good read I want to know how I missed the rest of the series!!! Shelby Quinn has lost so much and is packed off to Montana for a month to recover. No one is supposed to know who she is and Cooper Davis is put in the cabin next to her to "babysit" her. Cooper is also in Montana recovering from his own trauma. Watching these two circle each other and try to not fall was so beautiful. There really must be something in the water.

This is definitely a standalone since I have not read the previous books in this series and did not feel lost in any way but will seek out the rest of them because the characters are soooooo good.

I highly recommend this one!!!!

**Received an ARC copy for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

4 - "I've got you." Stars!

We return to Whisper Creek, Montana for the fifth book in the series of the same name; Meant to Be, is probably the best book I have read by Maggie McGinnis in the last couple of years.

IMAGE.

This has certainly been a series of peak and troughs for me, and Cooper and Shelby’s story was definitely a peak. Disgraced Cop and a grieving pop-star on the wane, make an unlikely pair. But that’s the beauty of putting the characters in the Dude Ranch setting, it gives the author an opportunity to mix and match characters romantically that you wouldn’t necessarily see in another location.

"Maybe after I’ve known you longer than a day…"

Shelby is escaping from her life, Cooper is hiding from his, both of them reluctant to talk to the other about the reasons as to why. But as the story progresses and they spend more time together you start to learn more about them as individuals and what has made them into the people they are today.

"Whats your favorite thing so far...?"

…You…

I think when you are writing closed door romance you need to make sure that the story and the characters are fully developed, and Maggie is an author that does that really well, don’t get me wrong, sure I want a bit more descriptive sexy-action for her couples, but in the terms of the story, I certainly don’t feel like I need it when reading her books.

He was totally falling for her. And he didn’t even know who she was.

Another great plus for the story was the interaction with past characters from the series, it was great to catch up with everyone while Cooper and Shelby’s story played out.

"We’re a team here. We take care of each other…"

Maggie seems to lean towards writing wholly submissive females, I don’t mean that in a sexual sense more in a character and personality way, this in the past has been a bug bear for me, as I struggle to empathize with a door-mat, Shelby was very much directed by those around her, but I liked in the latter stages she started to take back control for herself.

"Everybody has a choice."

I have to say I was a little surprised at how the story played out towards the end, the direction the author took surprised me, but I actually enjoyed that, it kept things a little off center, and less predictable in general.

"Thank you… for looking for me… for finding me."

I am pleased to see that we get to visit Whisper Creek again later on this year, Taking a Chance, is due for release in November and I look forward to reading it.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

Shelby has been living the life of another for so long she feels she has lost herself. With the loss of her father her label is afraid she may be loosing it and ships her off to Montana, the rules are stay hidden and keep under the radar, and she is set to do that. Cooper is in Montana after the loss of a job he loved and would have done anything for. He is not set to find himself when his boss has him watch over a unknown "celebrity". He's not happy about the assignment he would rather deal with horses then people. Will he be able to keep things professional and help Shelby stay out of sight?
I love Carefree Montana I love catching up with the fun group of friends and I can't wait for more. I loved how the author made each one of these characters relatable and made them feel more like friends. I really enjoyed the storyline as a whole. I enjoyed the laid back ness of Whiskey Ranch it truly made me want to jump on the next plane and go visit. There is some strong language throughout the book but over all this book is so worth the read and so fun. The book is a quick read as well so you wont be disappointed.

I really love this series. Genuine characters, hot and sweet cowboys, and the women who stole their heart. Each time I read one of Maggie McGinnis’ stories, I feel incredibly happy and swooning all over her main characters, with stories that warms my heart.

And once again, I was captivated by Shelby and Cooper’s journey. Two people from different worlds and trying to find a way back to breathe finally and to live.

The author has a way to make you feel the character's connection. Almost palpable. The celebrity and the hot cop and cowboy. I liked how they collided. Cooper was assigned to protect Shelby. The rest is history!

When the two met, all the assumptions went out through the window. She was guarded and always watching over her. He was secretive, at times broody and grumpy. Both at a dark place and heavy baggage, not the best conditions to meet someone. Even it romantically at first.

Cooper, sexy dude with a big heart, full of surprises. I’m never disappointed when it comes to the author's male characters. It’s the fifth book and it could have been a bit repetitive but it’s definitely not. His integrity and passion moved me. Especially when he was the one to help Shelby to live a little, to step out of her comfort zone.

Shelby was at dark place. Guilty about her father’s death and how her career was definitely out of control and unsatisfied with her music, going to Whisper Creek was not a bad idea, until her sexy neighbor decided to stumble into her life. Not realizing that he was actually watching her, protecting her.

I really enjoyed how that story wasn’t insta-love, like they took time to find themselves first and watch their relationship bloomed. The scenery place was incredible, and I liked how all the characters that I met in the previous books melt perfectly, never overstepping in Cooper and Shelby’s story, just giving the little push they needed.

This one was to me more emotional, dealing with some strong issues. I believe in connections, and mostly when things are meant to be. Because when you read this book, you’ll get it.

It was well-written, with realistic dialogues and endearing characters. Romantic and engaging. There’s something in the water in Whisper Creek, once you start drinking it, you just can’t leave! Just magical!

Shelby Quinn/Tara Gibson is a 28 year old pop star grieving the loss of her country music star dad, who was also her best friend. She is living a life she no longer wants, surrounded by people she doesn’t like or trust. She is sent to Montana for a month to try to recover from her loss.

Cooper Davis is a former Boston cop, now Montana dude ranch cowboy. He’s dealing with his own demons. Turning in several bad cops has cost him his career and his family. He’s at the ranch to sort through everything and decide where he goes from there.

When Shelby shows up at the ranch, Cooper is assigned to watch her (much to his chagrin). He doesn’t know who she really is, just that she’s there to escape her life for a while. It takes a bit for Cooper to get past Shelby’s walls. He just seems to get her and know what she needs. The more time these two spend together, the more they heal each other and learn to trust again.

I loved Phoebe, Cooper’s 14 year old sister. She was the one spot of light in his darkness. She refused to give up on him or let him give up on himself.

The group of people who live and work on the ranch are an interesting, caring group of people. The women on the ranch draw her in, showing her that there are actually people out there who want nothing more from you than to be your friend.

I am enjoying reading this series. I loved the epilogue. Yeah, parts of the book are a little unrealistic, stretching reality a bit, resolving problems a little too easily, but it’s a great way to spend a few hours with minimal angst and an HEA.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley.

4.5 stars

Meant to Be by Maggie McGinnis was a sweet and heartwarming read.

The writing was well done, the storyline was emotional and heartfelt. The characters Cooper and Shelby were likable, endearing, and it warmed my heart watching them fall in love. They truly deserved their happily ever after.

The Whisper Creek series has been such a joy to read, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them all!

*Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley for the advance copy*

Cooper is an ex-cop accused of a crime he didn't commit ... only trouble is, the only one who believes him is his 14 year old sister. When he is acquitted of the crime, he moves from his home city of Boston to big sky country in Montana. He takes a job at Whisper Creek Dude Ranch giving vacationers tours and training horses ... about as far away as a city cop can get.

Shelby is the Pop Princess "Tara Gibson" who recently lost her Country Legend father. Her record label sends her to Whisper Creek for a month to grieve her father's death along with her plummeting career ... so she will be able to finish the last 6 months of her tour and contract.

Whisper Creek knows that a star is coming to stay for a month, but they don't know who she is. Because she will be by herself, Cooper's boss decides to assign him to protect - babysit - her. And I think you can guess where the story goes from here. This is truly a sweet and heartwarming romance that will make you cry and laugh all the while cheering for their love to survive one crisis after another.

I received an ARC copy courtesy of Random House - Loveswept through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.