3.5 stars

I had read another book in this series and had enjoyed it, plus I really liked this synopsis, so I was eager to get to it.

I really liked Emma and Jasper. She’s spunky and sweet and he’s charming and goofy. They’re also really good people with similar backstories. Of course I loved the dynamic at the ranch and seeing the characters I was familiar with.

Plot wise, it was good. I was interested in what was happening and I enjoyed seeing Emma and Jasper grow. My main complaint is that I didn’t see much chemistry between them. Yes, they talk and go out a few times, but there are {I think} two kisses and one fade to black and it felt more like they were friends more than anything else.

Overall, it was a quick read and the characters are fantastic. I loved the ending and the epilogue and I’m seriously thinking about reading the previous books.

**Huge thanks to Loveswept for providing the arc free of charge**

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book had me chuckling and tearing up and was tugging at my heart strings! I was afraid that I might be disappointed in the plot of the story but I am sooo glad to have been given the opportunity to read such a great book! I definitely want to read the rest of the books in this series!

Whisper Creek water strikes again! I'm a huge fan of this series and love the idyllic town of Carefree. I enjoyed Emma and Jasper's story and loved glimpses of the characters from past books. A feel good, heart warming story of second chances.

Loved it! Laughed and cried my way through this charming love story. I read the book in one day, as I did not want to do anything else but read the tale of Emma and Jasper. Yes, I expected a happily ever after, but I was eager to hear their back stories. They were in their thirties and single. Why?

“Here I was, thinking maybe I was about to get kissed, and instead, I’m about to get struck by lightning.”

I can’t quite remember how I first discovered this series from Maggie McGinnis, but I do know this—I’ve really enjoyed each of the (now) three books I’ve read. And guys, I’ve read them COMPLETELY out of order. I started with book three. Moved to book five. And just finished book six, Taking a Chance. The three all have one important thing in common, aside from being heart-happy romance.

Hot Cowboys.

Yeah, okay, technically Jasper isn’t a cowboy, but . . . he’s hot, he wears a Stetson on occasion and takes Emma for the sweetest—and yet still sizzling—horse ride and therefore, he qualifies.

But hey, he’s not one-dimensional. He’s a coffee god, a good guy, and his slow-burn with Emma is lovely. Their chemistry is enough to carry this story through flirtations, cheekiness, fade-to-black love scenes and conflict. And TBH, it was conflict that worked for me. I liked how Ms. McGinnis handled it; I liked the way Em and Jasper acted and reacted to it.

And I most definitely liked the way it ended. It wasn’t quite a perfect ending for me—I couldn’t help but wish that we’d had a little more time—but it was damn close. And it was also just the ticket for a heart (spoiler alert: MY HEART) that was feeling a little bruised and susceptible to tears. Because hormones.

I know that each time I’ve finished a book in the Whisper Creek series, I’ve told myself that I have to read the ones I’ve missed—and truly, this time is no different. I’m determined to make time for more of these hot cowboys—and not just because they’re hot cowboys. Rather, it's because, however I happened upon this series, I know that whenever I read one of these books I’m getting sweet, swoony, heart-happy romance.

And yeah, okay, a hot cowboy too.

“...for some crazy, world-is-upside-down reason, I think I’m in love with you. Like, kind of stupidly in love with you. Like, I’d give up alligators for you.”

~ 4.5 Whipped Cream STARS ~

Emma is an all work and no fun person. She's been working for a promotion only to be sent to Big Sky Montana. Jasper is a live by the seats of his pants. He is a rule breaker and knows how to have fun. From the moment they met, sparks flew. They had me laughing. Any good HEA has to have some angst. I absolutely loved the ending.

DNF @ 54%

I took a chance, and sadly it was a waste of time. I have had mixed luck with this authors books of late, the last few sadly being misses, but this one was so far past the mark it wasn't even a blur on the horizon.

Over halfway through the book, and absolutely nothing had happened and I really mean nothing, the author was that thin on plot she threw in kittens just to while away a chapter, where nothing apart from that happened either.

It was a wasted visit to Whisper Creek sadly, because I have generally managed to find something positive in all of my past visits but I have got absolutely nothing this time.

I love a book that when you read it, you feel apart of it in every way. This is a new author for me, and I really enjoyed the way she wrote this story. Carefree is this quaint small little town in Colorado where Emma ends up being a temporary Director at a retirement home. She is sent there from her home office in Florida to step in for the current Director while she's having surgery. Jasper has come to Carefree to get over the loss of his wife, but has vowed never to get into another serious relationship again. When these two meet, it really is a match made in heaven. The interaction between these two characters is funny, very easy to get engaged in their developing love for each other, even though it's only been a short time. Whisper Creek is just a magical place, and you feel like you are sitting there with the characters around the fire pit, or in the tree overlooking the incredible scenery. Very well written, loved the ending. Well worth the read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

It never fails! Every time I pick up a Maggie McGinnis book planning on reading a couple hours I get so consumed by the story that by the time I look up it's late into the night and I just have to finish the book! That's exactly what happened with this incredible book. Jasper and Emma's story is simply wonderful. Jasper is funny, loving, kind and oh so sexy. Then there's Emma. A little stiff, a bit driven, but with a heart as big as Montana. Not only are these main characters completely entertaining but the secondary characters are as well. When Emma was unexpectedly sent from her cushy corporate office to work in this facility in Montana she never expected to fall in love with the people, the place, or the man but fall she did. How can she ever go back to her boring life now??

You don't want to miss this one! I highly recommend it.

In my mind "Whisper Creek" is a paradise for women. What more can any hot blooded woman want? Fresh air, mountains, greenery as far as the eye can see and yes, smoking hot cowboys. Maybe I should have mentioned the cowboys first! We've seen many a woman fall in love with Whisper Creek and its hot inhabitants, now it's time for one of Carefree's most eligible bachelors to find love.

Jasper Stone owns the local cafe in Carefree, Montana. His coffee is to die for. In fact it is purely addictive and sinful and as fans of the series know, many women have claimed to fall in love with him after drinking his coffee. However, Jasper has a big secret. A secret that is keeping him from falling in love or entering a relationship. All he wants is to run his cafe, foster kittens and visit his elderly father at Shady Acres nursing home. But don't let his idyllic lifestyle fool you into believing that all is calm and quiet. Jasper is literally a pain in Bette's behind and a fixture in the nursing home. Bette is the manager of the Shady Acres and even though she loves Jasper like a son, there isn't a day that Jasper doesn't cause some mischief at the nursing home. Whether it is playing volleyball with wheelchairs or bringing fireworks, you can be sure that Jasper will liven up the place. And when Bette has to take leave for surgery, Shady Acres is entrusted into the care of a blonde beauty from Florida.

Emma Wintrop knows all about the technical side of running a nursing home but she has no clue how to do it on the ground. She, however, also needs to prove herself to the management and get the promotion that she has been waiting for. 12 weeks is a long time, but she is determined to make the most of it. And like all the women before her, she also falls in love with the beauty of Montana and the magical Whisper Creek ranch. Not to mention the hot cowboy that ignites all of her cowboy fantasies. Is it possible to fall head over heels in such a short amount of time? And what can possibly become of such a relationship?

Another enchanting addition to this beautiful series! I don't know if it is only wishful thinking on my part but I wouldn't mind seeing Ari and Liam together ;)

Taking a Chance was a fun romance with a beautiful setting and characters looking for a second chance at happiness.

Emma Winthrop is a star on the rise in the corporate office of one of the country’s leading nursing home companies when she is sent to Whisper Creek, Montana for three months of field experience. Life in Whisper Creek is entirely different than her life in Florida, but Emma discovers a sense of peace in the mountains. The only distraction is Jasper Stone, the son of a resident who wreaks havoc at the nursing home to keep the residents’ spirits up. Jasper and Emma soon find themselves falling for each other despite the uncertainty of the future.

Taking a Chance is the sixth book in the Whisper Creek series and the first one I’ve read. The book works well as a standalone and you don’t need to have read the previous books to read this one. The only thing missing was more backstory for the side characters, but the author does a good job recapping who everyone is in this book.

Emma is the definition of a workaholic and believes that if she simply dedicates enough time, she’ll be given that management position she’s after. When instead of the promotion she’s expecting she’s sent to Montana, Emma is uncertain of where she stands at her company. Emma is truly dedicated to bettering the lives of the residents at the nursing home and she is constantly proposing new innovative ideas to better their lives. Despite the positive attitude she displays, she does have a bit of a darker past and there are a number of issues in her family.

Jasper initially moved to Whisper Creek to escape the tragedies of his past and has spent the past few years running his coffee shop and spending time with his father. Prior to his move, Jasper was a high-powered lawyer who put even Emma’s workaholic tendencies to shame. Now, Jasper believes in making time for the important things in life and thinks a person needs to have more in life than a job. As a result, he’s a very easy going person and tries to make sure the residents at the nursing home are enjoying their lives.

Emma and Jasper had great chemistry right from the start and they build a good friendship before things move to the next level. They’re able to easily talk to each other about what matters in life and find themselves opening up with each other in ways they never have before. This book is definitely on the cleaner side when it comes to the romance as the one and only sex scene occurs off page. Personally I prefer my romances on the more steamier and explicit side, so that aspect didn’t work for me very well. Sadly, one of my most hated tropes in contemporary romances occurred which did lessen my enjoyment of the romance. **SPOILER REMOVED**

Overall, I did really enjoy Taking a Chance and it would have received a 4 star rating from me if not for the aforementioned spoiler. As that’s a personal preference issue, I would definitely recommend Taking a Chance if you’re in the mood for a quick contemporary romance.

Taking A Chance is a sweet story about Emma Winthrop, who comes from Florida to Whisper Creek to run a nursing home while the admin is out on leave. She has 3 months to survive what she doesn't know, and make it out alive. She has never run a nursing home, and the precious admin has not left much to work with. Lucky for her, Jasper is there too help. Jasper does not work there, but he is often at the facility because his dad lives there. He and Emma are a perfect match if he can let go of his past long enough to see there is more to life than how he has been living it.

I thought this book was okay, there wasn't anything particular that I thought was exceptional or really captured my attention. It as kind of slow for me in the beginning which is always hard for me to really get into a story then. I thought the story line was really cute and sweet and the characters were well developed, but overall the book kind of fell flat for me, unfortunately.

This was a good story about taking a chance. The characters were entertaining and the story had a great plot. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

3.5 Stars
This is a tale about letting go of guilt for our guy... and for our gal to let go and break a few rules. It is a nursing home where the father of our main character is... and the love interest is the new director brought in to get some field experience. She likes rules.... he like to shake things up and break up the patient's boredom.
Can these two see eye to eye... That is the question

Emma and Jasper meet when she is sent to Whisper Creek as the new temporary nursing home director where his father is a resident. Jasper is known for his unorthodox games and his genuine interest in all the patients at the home. Jasper goes there every morning to have breakfast with his father, comes back when he can for lunch and sometimes joins him for dinner.

Emma is from Florida and the mountains and weather in Montana is foreign to her. She is a stickler for rules and does not take kindly to the state of the office she is left with. She quickly learns that she needs to be more hands-on and less in her office. She thinks this job is the step she needs to obtain her goal of a promotion within her company. She realizes that the staff doesn't trust her at first and finds Jasper to be aloof at the beginning. She also fights her attraction and you wouldn't know either one of them is in their mid-30's by their actions.

Jasper has baggage a mile wide and just as long. He thinks he needs to pay penance for what happened to his wife in the past. His friends and father all try to get him to see that he should be living life and not feeling constant guilt. He used to be a high-powered lawyer and now owns and runs his own coffee shop. He finds his life to be stable and is comfortable with it. Emma's presence threatens that stability and he doesn't always react well.

Emma had her own secrets and baggage and both had similar heartache in their past. Emma found herself falling for Jasper, even though she knew better. When things seem to be on an even keel finally, Jasper has second thoughts and Emma is left trying to move on. She learns part of Jasper's past and tries to understand where he is coming from. I liked how Emma picked herself up and moved forward. She still kept moving forward with her goals. When something unexpected happens, Emma finds herself reeling yet again. She had valid reasons for her reaction and I understood it. Jasper needed to man up and not let his past define him anymore. You will have to read the book to find out what transpires between these two. It was a quick, easy read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

Book Info
ebook, 256 pages
Expected publication: November 7th 2017 by Loveswept
Original Title Taking a Chance
ISBN 1101967781 (ISBN13: 9781101967782)
Edition Language English
Series Whisper Creek #6
Other Editions (1)
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK BLURB


A fun-loving troublemaker gives a workaholic Southern gal a real taste of Montana magic at the one and only Whisper Creek Ranch.

A rising star in the corporate world, Emma Winthrop enjoys the view from her cubicle in sunny Florida. But when she’s dispatched to a nursing home in Whisper Creek for three months of field experience, she discovers a slice of heaven made of mountains and mayhem—mostly in the form of rugged, drop-dead gorgeous Jasper Stone, who grinds his specialty beans at the town’s best coffee shop in between organizing dodge-ball games and wheelchair races in Emma’s hallways.

When Jasper walks in on this beautiful angel in silky purple underwear trying to rinse out her blouse, it’s a breathtaking view—even for a Montana native. Wreaking havoc here at Shady Acres keeps his dad in good spirits, but getting under Emma’s skin is proving to be even more fun. Jasper knows that he’s falling faster than a man with his past has any right to, but his body and his heart have a mind of their own. And Emma appears to be claiming both.

My Thoughts


This is a true opposites-attract, second-chance-at-love contemporary romance set in a beautiful location filled with unique characters and set at an easy reading pace that keeps one pretty much glued to the pages from beginning to end.

While being the 6th book in the series this time the town of Carefree Montana not the Whisper Creek guest ranch takes center stage, just 1 step behind the Shady Acres retirement home which gets the top billing honor.

From the irrepressible Archie to the less-than-perfect Cook Horace both the residents and staff will steal the readers heart from page one.

Emma and Jasper are just the perfect pair to carry on the tradition of those who have no intention of making Carefree their future home. A tradition that this time did not need a little help from the magical properties of the drinking water at the Whisper Creek ranch like the 5 couples before them.

[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]

On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

Jasper was just the sweetest and most endearing man (and son! and coffee maker!) ever. I loved this story. His relationship with Emma and her development professionally and personally was great fun to read. Loved it!

"Come to Whisper Creek. Drink the water & you'll never want to leave."

You can run. You can hide. You'll never get away from the feelings that Whisper Creek invokes. Emma was pulled from headquarters to fill in when a nursing home administrator needs surgery. Emma is planning on going completely by the book & staying out of trouble until she's back in Florida. Then she meets Jasper & the staff & residents at Shady Acres. As they work their magic, she's falling in love with the mountains. She's realizing that no matter what her parents say, she's worthy of love & appreciation.

Jasper has his own share of heartbreak. He's just decided to live like today is all that matters. Everyone deserves to have fun. He draws the line at fun though. No love or happy ever after. He doesn't deserve that. He's taking care of his dad & running his coffee shop. That's it.

Taking a Chance is a story about just what the title says, taking a chance on love. Emma & Jasper both feel they don't deserve a chance at love. The mistakes they've made in the past have made sure of that. The characters are realistic & relatable. The residents of the nursing home add an increased depth & dimension to the story. The returning characters from Whisper Creek add continuity but I feel this book can be read as a stand alone. A truly wonderful romance with some heartbreaking moments, I'd recommend this book to everyone!

Jasper and his yummy coffee has been a regular feature in the previous Whisper Creek Novels and finally reading his story was a delight.
The meeting between Jasper and Emma, the temporary director at the nursing home, Shady Acres, was perfect. It was funny and hot. I enjoyed the way their relationship developed. The residents of Shady Acres just steal your heart.
Taking a Chance is definitely one of my favorite Whisper Creek novels. It was a fun read with a touch of sadness that made it that much more real and heartwarming.