Taking Chances

by Jennifer Lowery

****this is a 9,583 word short story****


Her first love ended in tragedy, former CIA agent, Nora Ashford, vows never to be hurt again and retreats to the Colorado Rocky Mountains.


Forced down by a blizzard, former Navy pilot, Lucas Stone crash lands in Nora’s snow covered meadow. Brave in battle, but he's been burned more than once in love.


Fighting the blizzard and their attraction for each other Nora and Lucas must unite when Nora’s past puts their lives in danger. Will they take a chance at love?

Genres: Romance, Short Stories

ebook

First published November 3, 2012

About the author

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Lowery writes heartfelt military romantic suspense. Her work has been nominated for the Golden Heart. She debuted her first book in 2012 which made her dreams of being a writer come true, followed by her SEAL Team Alpha series and she loves her job as much today as she did then. She is delighted to bring you stories from the heart and hopes you enjoy reading them as much as she did writing them.

Follow on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jenni...


View my 4 star review from RT Book Reviews Magazine!!!! http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...

Reviews

[Aarati · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a short story Taking Chances packed quite a punch. To put forth a suspenseful story in just 40 short pages is nothing short of commendable. Written in vivid detail with intriguing characters, Taking Chances is one of the best romantic suspense books I've ever read. I only wish it was longer, because the way the story was, the author could have easily made it into an amazing, kick-ass full length novel. That's not to say that the novella was good.

Even though I don't enjoy insta-love, I didn't mind it so much in this book. I loved how Nora and Lucas were both real people who have dealt with hard situations in life. The vivid picture the author drew with Nora's dreams were very well done. We also find out about Lucas's past. The kicker was when Ms. Lowery brought in that twist towards the end. I never ever imagined something like that would happen.

A well-written book with great characters Taking Chances was amazing. My complaint? It was short. I wanted more of Nora and Lucas.

[Books and Spoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a short story, the author has managed to pack an interesting, suspenseful, and surprisingly full tale in this book.
The vivid, intriguing action in Nora's nightmares, give insight into Nora's past as an agent. There's also a short account of Lucas' past, failed relationship, and family history.
The insta-love and connection between Nora and Lucas is appealing, and dreamy. And then towards the end the author allows a twist that took me by complete surprise.
It is a short, quick read, but pack full story with action and love, that I recommend ~ Four spoons!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer has written a story that kept me on the edge of my seat through-out.

Nora sobered and turned back to the windows, her breath fogging the glass. "We may as well lay some ground rules if we're going to be stuck here for a few days."

"Okay."

"You can keep the bed, I prefer the sofa. I don't cook. I'm not a maid, so pick up after yourself. You can eat whatever you can find in the kitchen, but I'll warn you, I don't keep much. I prefer my privacy, so you'll have to occupy yourself. Any questions?

"Only one."

She turned to face him.

"What are you hiding from?"

TAKING CHANCES by Jennifer Lowery is a quick, action-packed, romantic suspenseful read. It has strong characters, surprising twists and intriguingly original writing. The author did a great job building the tension and the sexual chemistry in just forty pages. I just wish the story had been longer as it ended way too soon!

My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Check it out here: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...

3 1/2 Wine Glasses!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking Chances
By Jennifer Lowery
Nora is healing her heart. She’s blaming herself for things beyond her control. Surely a mountain cabin during a snowstorm is the perfect place to think. She’s even got a big loveable dog for a companion. It sounds like heaven to me (as long as there’s working internet and UPS delivery *wink*).

But things aren’t going to go as planned. An airplane can’t fly with ice on the wings and comes crashing into her retreat, leaving her to care for the pilot. Too bad, this pilot is sexy! Just as the two of them heat up…erm…warm up to each other, more problems ensue. Without giving anything away, the story keeps you guessing! I never saw it coming!

Ms. Lowery writes stories that keep me on the edge of my seat. She has likeable characters who have faced trauma and overcome it. They are stronger for it, not willing to escape the pain but learning that life has pain as well as passion. This novella was a perfect read for right before bed and had me dreaming of my own sexy hero.

[Melissa Cheslog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast paced short story. It is action packed and the plot is thick with twists and turns. Nora Ashford and her dog Ranger are hiding out in Dayton Colorado. She has been through a lot and is not looking for anyone or anything. Lucas Stone is a Navy pilot turned rancher trying to fly home to his ranch in an ice storm. He makes an emergency landing in Nora's meadows. She allows him to stay at her cabin while the storm continues. She is still haunted by her past and the plot continues to thicken as the storm continues on. This book was well written and I would have loved more. It is a good book to curl up with and get lost in. I look forward to more from this author.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good short story. Because it was so short there wasn’t a lot of time for background or character development. However the story kept me reading without stopping once I started it. There is a good twist to the story and it’s great that the heroine was very strong with a mysterious past.

All in all a very good book but her longer novels are a bit more satisfying so after you read this one check her others out.

I received a copy of this book from the author for being on her mailing list but no review was required.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great suspenseful short story!

Nora Ashford has rented a cabin in the woods in an attempt to get away and heal her broken heart. When a plane crashes in her meadow, Nora is able to help the pilot, Lucas Stone, and begins to mend his injuries.

Although Nora has a very guarded heart, she begins to let Lucas in but then when Nora's past affects her future she must decide if she is really ready to take a chance and start all over.

This book had great characters and was very intriguing for a short story! I really enjoyed it!!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and hot short story, November 23, 2014

This review is from: Taking Chances (short story) (Kindle Edition)

This was a wonderfully written short story, I love strong characters and Nora and Lucas did not disappoint. The story line was original and this author did a great job building suspense, sexual tension and telling her story in a very short book. Will look for more by this author.

[Melissa King · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short story filled with suspense, romance & a unexpected twist. Nora & Lucas was both hurt in the past by someone they loved. Can their attraction lead to healing each other or will they go their separate ways. Read this book to find out if they take a chance at love. It's a great short story that I don't want to give to much away.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice quick read. I love to think that love can come fast and hard, and still be happily ever after. Nora is a very strong, independent woman reeling from a "mistake". Lucas was drawn to that strength and admitted that it was more than lust. Without second guessing himself, he was willing to make a commitment. I really enjoyed this quick story.

[Deb Diem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking Chances by Jennifer Lowery is a great read. This is a very short read, perfect for those with limited time for reading. Ms Lowery has delivered a knockout in short story form. The characters are fantastic. This book has action, drama and sizzle. Taking Chances is my first book by Jennifer Lowery, but won't be my last. Taking Chances is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

[Julie Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story. We instantly connect with hero and heroine She is one tough lady and he is just so gorgeous. The instant attraction was a joy to read. Action packed adventure and romance in scenic locations was a nice quick read.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story would have been great as a longer book. Suspense, sex, romance were all included. But the relationship was too rushed; I'd like to see it play out over a realistic time frame. Writing was great too. I'll check out more of the author's books, hopefully with longer courtships :)

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick exciting hot read. His plane crashed but he will be okay. She's living in the middle of nowhere alone and sad and he wonders why. Worth the few minutes to read this story. Enjoy I did.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice short read by this author. I really loved her debut book Hard Core & enjoyed this quickie.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute, had potential, but um, the ending? Waaaaaay too early...

[SandraE · Rating 3 out of 5]

An odd quick freebie.

[Jerri Drennen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story. Two thumbs up to Jennifer Lowery!

[Richard E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very quick read. Winter weather, Airplane crash, two wounded souls trapped in a cabin during a snowstorm...What will happen next?

[Denise Koopman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good. Been even better if we had more in depth of the heroine and hero's past. It was really good and I read through it fast.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this short story. I was drawn right into the story
Great for when you need a quick but good book

[Sue Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story - would have worked great as a full length book too.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit short, but I really liked it. If it had been longer, more depth of character would have been nice, but for a short, it was enjoyable.

[Amy Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short read that was interesting. I wish it were a little longer so the characters could develop more.