What do you think?
Rate this book
Whisper Creek #5
Meant to Be
At twenty-eight, Shelby Quinn is a has-been, and she’s more relieved than devastated. The one-time pop sensation’s latest album just debuted with a whimper, and her tour’s cancellation means she has her first chance to relax since . . . well, ever. But when her beloved father passes away, Shelby’s vacation suddenly becomes a time for soul searching. Alone and broken-hearted, she certainly doesn’t expect to meet a man who understands her in a way no one else ever has.
Cooper Davis was one of the NYPD’s top detectives—until his partner made off with his wife and his reputation. 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 waits for them under the big skies and bright stars.
Cooper Davis was one of the NYPD’s top detectives—until his partner made off with his wife and his reputation. 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 waits for them under the big skies and bright stars.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2017
55 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
March 17, 2017
4.5 Stars
Sugar and Spice, and Everything ......
Nice?? It is always a good time revisiting with the characters of Whisper Creek Ranch, especially the model worthy, hot calendar cowboys who work the ranch. Maggie McGinnis is one of my go to authors for a sweet, fun loving romance, and she never disappoints me. But this book had to be my favorite of the series. The main characters stole my heart. They are both dealing with their own personal issues, which are eating them up inside, and their chemistry together is special and raw. I loved the tension and drama that erupts because of their relationship and it kept me glued to the pages!
Shelby Quinn, aka Tara Gibson and pop icon, is devastated by the death of her father, who was a Country Music Legend. Shelby's own singing career is going down the tubes fast and her anguished state of mind has her in an emotional tailspin. Her trusted assistant and the powers that be at her record label, LolliPop, decide she is in need of R and R and a secluded place to hide away from the tabloids for at least a month, so off she is sent to the Big Sky Country of Montana.
Cooper Davis, a former cop from Boston, now works for Whisper Creek as a ranch hand. Whisper Creek Dude Ranch is a place where singles or families come for a relaxing get away. Cooper showed up just a few months ago, needing to get away from a ton of hell back east, both professionally and personally, and ended up hired to guide the guests along the trail rides on horseback. He is informed he needs to be temporarily reassigned to work as an undercover bodyguard/buddy/pal for a Hollywood VIP visiting the ranch. He will be so undercover, the VIP will think he is just a guest at the ranch on a much needed vacation.
As soon as Shelby and Cooper meet, they are drawn to each other and a romance begins to ensue. But just as things begin to heat up between them, Shelby must get back to her life as the diva pop singer and fulfill her contract to go on a six month concert tour and promote her newest album. She doesn't want to live that kind of life anymore and Cooper sure doesn't want to see her go, but her record company leaves her with no choice. Not to mention the unsettling and depressing mess left behind in Boston that still awaits Cooper.
Yep! Ms. McGinnis sure kicked it up a notch in this fifth book of the series, and I loved it! This is a stand alone, but you get to reconnect with a few of the past characters. If you are hankering for a sweet romance, give this one a try.
*I received a copy of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
Sugar and Spice, and Everything ......
Nice?? It is always a good time revisiting with the characters of Whisper Creek Ranch, especially the model worthy, hot calendar cowboys who work the ranch. Maggie McGinnis is one of my go to authors for a sweet, fun loving romance, and she never disappoints me. But this book had to be my favorite of the series. The main characters stole my heart. They are both dealing with their own personal issues, which are eating them up inside, and their chemistry together is special and raw. I loved the tension and drama that erupts because of their relationship and it kept me glued to the pages!
Shelby Quinn, aka Tara Gibson and pop icon, is devastated by the death of her father, who was a Country Music Legend. Shelby's own singing career is going down the tubes fast and her anguished state of mind has her in an emotional tailspin. Her trusted assistant and the powers that be at her record label, LolliPop, decide she is in need of R and R and a secluded place to hide away from the tabloids for at least a month, so off she is sent to the Big Sky Country of Montana.
Cooper Davis, a former cop from Boston, now works for Whisper Creek as a ranch hand. Whisper Creek Dude Ranch is a place where singles or families come for a relaxing get away. Cooper showed up just a few months ago, needing to get away from a ton of hell back east, both professionally and personally, and ended up hired to guide the guests along the trail rides on horseback. He is informed he needs to be temporarily reassigned to work as an undercover bodyguard/buddy/pal for a Hollywood VIP visiting the ranch. He will be so undercover, the VIP will think he is just a guest at the ranch on a much needed vacation.
As soon as Shelby and Cooper meet, they are drawn to each other and a romance begins to ensue. But just as things begin to heat up between them, Shelby must get back to her life as the diva pop singer and fulfill her contract to go on a six month concert tour and promote her newest album. She doesn't want to live that kind of life anymore and Cooper sure doesn't want to see her go, but her record company leaves her with no choice. Not to mention the unsettling and depressing mess left behind in Boston that still awaits Cooper.
Yep! Ms. McGinnis sure kicked it up a notch in this fifth book of the series, and I loved it! This is a stand alone, but you get to reconnect with a few of the past characters. If you are hankering for a sweet romance, give this one a try.
*I received a copy of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
March 13, 2017
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.
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.
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.
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.
March 16, 2017
3.5 The Damaged are Healed Stars
* * * 1/2
Oh how I love this series.
All of the other characters are there... making appearances yet keeping the focus on the main couple of this tale.
Two extremely damaged and hurting people.... come together... and release their pain through the connection and caring they give... it has its ups and downs but in the end McGinnis always makes it work.
A gifted copy was provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2
Oh how I love this series.
All of the other characters are there... making appearances yet keeping the focus on the main couple of this tale.
Two extremely damaged and hurting people.... come together... and release their pain through the connection and caring they give... it has its ups and downs but in the end McGinnis always makes it work.
A gifted copy was provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
February 9, 2017
I'm always looking for a new author of sorbet and this synopsis sounded perfect.
I liked Shelby and Cooper. They're both genuinely nice people. She's grieving and it takes a while to see her spark, but it happened. And he's got some serious things happening in his life, so there's that. There are a lot of interesting characters and I'm guessing they're from previous books.
The plot was quite a slow burn and I was hoping for something a bit more chemistry wise. Yet, it was a cute read that was mostly fluffy and had a great epilogue.
**Huge thanks to Loveswept and NetGalley for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Shelby and Cooper. They're both genuinely nice people. She's grieving and it takes a while to see her spark, but it happened. And he's got some serious things happening in his life, so there's that. There are a lot of interesting characters and I'm guessing they're from previous books.
The plot was quite a slow burn and I was hoping for something a bit more chemistry wise. Yet, it was a cute read that was mostly fluffy and had a great epilogue.
**Huge thanks to Loveswept and NetGalley for providing the arc free of charge**
March 12, 2017
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*
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*
March 22, 2017
Slick's review:
4.5 stars
From the very first book in Maggie McGinnis’ Whisper Creek series, I’ve been hooked and love the fictional dude ranch that seems to cast a magic spell on those who visit making them fall in love or as some of its newer residents say, it is in the water. What I loved about Meant to Be is the hero is fairly new to the ranch after leaving his hometown of Boston and the police force after a series of events that not only cost him his job but his family and the heroine is a pop star whose roots are in country music and has suffered several big personal blows and whose professional career is on a downturn. Two lost souls find one another under the big sky of Montana, through their love of music, and a friendship that turns to more. I loved this sweet and emotional story.
Cooper Davis’ life has been turned upside down and one drunken night he threw a dart at a map and that led him to Carefree, Montana and the Whisper Creek ranch and for a city boy he has found he loves the slower paced country life, but more than that he loves the people who gave him a job and a home and have become his friends. So when he is assigned to be the buddy or “babysitter” to a celebrity guest that no one knows the identify for he isn’t exactly thrilled to be removed from trail rides and horse training, but for the people who gave him a chance he’ll do anything.
Since she was sixteen years old Shelby Quinn has been known at pop sensation, Tara Gibson and with each year that has passed she feels less and less like her old self and with her father dead, she has a huge hole in her heart. Fearing she’s at the breaking point her label and her assistant assigned by the label send her to Whisper Creek ranch for a month of rest and relaxation with the instructions to stay out of the limelight and out of trouble. What they didn’t tell her is to not fall in love with a sexy cowboy whose life is as messed up as her own.
If ever two people deserved some happiness in their lives it is Shelby and Cooper. Cooper impressed me with his ability to read Shelby and to know when to push and when to let her be and in doing so she began to trust him and let him in little by little. As their friendship grew so did their growing attraction, and despite Cooper knowing Shelby’s stage persona he fell for the broken young woman with far too much on her plate and far too people in her life she could trust. Shelby fell for the man who treated her like a princess, but also saw all the way to her country roots and encouraged her to do what made her happy.
There is a bit of drama, but the feelings these two have for one another never fade and figuring out a way to make it work between them means making decisions that while at times seem harsh are necessary.
I have loved every book in this series, but there was something extra special about Meant to Be making it a fast favorite in this series.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
4.5 stars
From the very first book in Maggie McGinnis’ Whisper Creek series, I’ve been hooked and love the fictional dude ranch that seems to cast a magic spell on those who visit making them fall in love or as some of its newer residents say, it is in the water. What I loved about Meant to Be is the hero is fairly new to the ranch after leaving his hometown of Boston and the police force after a series of events that not only cost him his job but his family and the heroine is a pop star whose roots are in country music and has suffered several big personal blows and whose professional career is on a downturn. Two lost souls find one another under the big sky of Montana, through their love of music, and a friendship that turns to more. I loved this sweet and emotional story.
Cooper Davis’ life has been turned upside down and one drunken night he threw a dart at a map and that led him to Carefree, Montana and the Whisper Creek ranch and for a city boy he has found he loves the slower paced country life, but more than that he loves the people who gave him a job and a home and have become his friends. So when he is assigned to be the buddy or “babysitter” to a celebrity guest that no one knows the identify for he isn’t exactly thrilled to be removed from trail rides and horse training, but for the people who gave him a chance he’ll do anything.
Since she was sixteen years old Shelby Quinn has been known at pop sensation, Tara Gibson and with each year that has passed she feels less and less like her old self and with her father dead, she has a huge hole in her heart. Fearing she’s at the breaking point her label and her assistant assigned by the label send her to Whisper Creek ranch for a month of rest and relaxation with the instructions to stay out of the limelight and out of trouble. What they didn’t tell her is to not fall in love with a sexy cowboy whose life is as messed up as her own.
If ever two people deserved some happiness in their lives it is Shelby and Cooper. Cooper impressed me with his ability to read Shelby and to know when to push and when to let her be and in doing so she began to trust him and let him in little by little. As their friendship grew so did their growing attraction, and despite Cooper knowing Shelby’s stage persona he fell for the broken young woman with far too much on her plate and far too people in her life she could trust. Shelby fell for the man who treated her like a princess, but also saw all the way to her country roots and encouraged her to do what made her happy.
There is a bit of drama, but the feelings these two have for one another never fade and figuring out a way to make it work between them means making decisions that while at times seem harsh are necessary.
I have loved every book in this series, but there was something extra special about Meant to Be making it a fast favorite in this series.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
March 15, 2017
The story is about Cooper, an ex-cop that’s good name has been dragged in the mud by his unscrupulous brothers in blue, specifically, his dirty cop cousin. He’s been laying low in Whisper Creek, Montana until he can figure out what to do with his life away from Boston. He gets roped into babysitting a VIP at the dude ranch he works at. He was expecting a pampered starlet, definitely not a skittish and introverted Shelby.
Shelby Quinn, aka Tara Gibson needs to get away from it all. Her father, the only family she had and the one person she loved above all others has died and she feels lost and alone and so dissatisfied with the way her music label has invented her. She needs time to discover who Shelby Quinn is outside of Tara Gibson. Meeting Cooper changes Shelby like she didn’t expect.
Cooper is such a sweet guy, the way he knew on a bone deep level just when to push for more or just let things play out with Shelby. They both are hurting so they understood their underlying pain. It was sad that Shelby's grief came from losing her father and Cooper suffered because his father basically disowned him. I could not stand this pretentious hypocrite! That flash back scene of Cooper and his father sealed it for me and there was no way Cooper's father could ever be redeemed. Someone who could turn his back on his own son like doesn't deserve a second chance. (This is my hard-hearted-grudge-holding-self speaking here!)
Shelby was such a lonely person, watching her open up to Cooper, and the girls from Whisper Creek was adorable. She was such an awkward and shy person. A complete opposite from her stage persona as Tara Gibson. In her grief she was vulnerable but also genuine and without artifice. I really liked her.
This was a sweet, cute and clean romance. I didn't even miss the smexy times because the story flowed nicely without it. *gasp* I know, I'm usually all over the love scenes, they add spice to the romance but Meant to Be was such an easy light read that I love it just the way it is. I loved the main characters, Cooper and Shelby were so cute and it was easy to believe they belonged together. I also liked the side characters a lot. Liam is definitely someone that piqued my interest and I hope the author plans to give us his story soon because I'm already half in love with him :)
The ending was perfect, just the right amount of happy and romantic. The last scene can make or break it for me and this one was awesome. I loved the warm sappy feeling I felt when I read that last line. It ended on a happy bright promise for their future and I loved it!
If you like clean romance with strong characters and a sweet HEA, I highly recommend Meant to Be.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
Shelby Quinn, aka Tara Gibson needs to get away from it all. Her father, the only family she had and the one person she loved above all others has died and she feels lost and alone and so dissatisfied with the way her music label has invented her. She needs time to discover who Shelby Quinn is outside of Tara Gibson. Meeting Cooper changes Shelby like she didn’t expect.
Cooper is such a sweet guy, the way he knew on a bone deep level just when to push for more or just let things play out with Shelby. They both are hurting so they understood their underlying pain. It was sad that Shelby's grief came from losing her father and Cooper suffered because his father basically disowned him. I could not stand this pretentious hypocrite! That flash back scene of Cooper and his father sealed it for me and there was no way Cooper's father could ever be redeemed. Someone who could turn his back on his own son like doesn't deserve a second chance. (This is my hard-hearted-grudge-holding-self speaking here!)
Shelby was such a lonely person, watching her open up to Cooper, and the girls from Whisper Creek was adorable. She was such an awkward and shy person. A complete opposite from her stage persona as Tara Gibson. In her grief she was vulnerable but also genuine and without artifice. I really liked her.
This was a sweet, cute and clean romance. I didn't even miss the smexy times because the story flowed nicely without it. *gasp* I know, I'm usually all over the love scenes, they add spice to the romance but Meant to Be was such an easy light read that I love it just the way it is. I loved the main characters, Cooper and Shelby were so cute and it was easy to believe they belonged together. I also liked the side characters a lot. Liam is definitely someone that piqued my interest and I hope the author plans to give us his story soon because I'm already half in love with him :)
The ending was perfect, just the right amount of happy and romantic. The last scene can make or break it for me and this one was awesome. I loved the warm sappy feeling I felt when I read that last line. It ended on a happy bright promise for their future and I loved it!
If you like clean romance with strong characters and a sweet HEA, I highly recommend Meant to Be.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
March 11, 2017
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.
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.
March 13, 2017
Loved this book.... and left me on a Whisper Creek high !
Could not put this book down once I started reading ! Whew. !
Loved the Storyline. Loved the characters ... and Whisper Creek Ranch. !
.... has to be something in the water !!!
Definitely deserving of a 5Star rating !
Received a Publisher's arc .... the above is my honest and personal opinion.
A wonderful addition in the Whisper Creek series .!
Could not put this book down once I started reading ! Whew. !
Loved the Storyline. Loved the characters ... and Whisper Creek Ranch. !
.... has to be something in the water !!!
Definitely deserving of a 5Star rating !
Received a Publisher's arc .... the above is my honest and personal opinion.
A wonderful addition in the Whisper Creek series .!
March 13, 2017
Where have I been and how did I miss this series before now? Sigh... better late than never.
I have catching up to do in the series. 4.5 stars from me.
Story starts off with Shelby over her head in grief at the loss of her beloved father who died in a plane crash. Shelby is a "pop star" because that's what the record label turned her into at a young age, she's got one more album to complete her contract and her heart isn't in it and hasn't been. Raised by her singer/songwriter famous Daddy, they travelled the country on a bus, singing songs and living life. Shelby has some wonderful memories. She knows she sold out and with the death of her father, it weighs heavily. Her manager (ugh), I'm going to call her that.. because I didn't like her and thankfully she isn't a predominant character, sends Shelby off for a month to recoup. She's supposed to be incognito. Away from cameras, press and the pap's. She sends her to Whisper Creek Ranch.
Kyla who runs WC taps Decker to kind of keep his eye on this mystery woman they are getting. They don't know who she is and she's going by her real name Shelby. Not her stage name. Kyla sticks Decker in the cabin next to Shelby. Cooper is an ex cop who literally lost his job, family and reputation because of a case he investigated. Looking for a soft place to land, he ended up here in the middle of Montana. Wrangling horses and breathing in the fresh air.
Decker tries to draw her out, she's still shut up in her cabin most days, even with the gals on the ranch who draw to draw her out, it's the onsite Vet and a runt piglet that brings Shelby around. The piglet and Decker. That and a trip to town to the music store that gets Shelby in the backroom alone and she picks up a guitar and plays one of her Dad's song, recognized by the shop owner. Decker talks Shelby into doing an open mic night, Decker can hold his own with a guitar too and sing. She relents and they sing one together.
Shelby is doing better, Decker tells her about his problems back home, and he has to leave the ranch and return to Boston for legal reasons. What transpires here leaves her hurt and feeling helpless.
The girls at the ranch try to help, meanwhile her month is winding down. Things hit the fan at the record label and Shelby returns a week early, ready to get this last leg of her tour over with so she can start her own life... her life. Not the record label. So what happens that Shelby is called back? What happens with Decker and the huge legal problems? Will they see each other again? All for you to find out when you read this book.
I loved this story. Loved it. Loved the dialogue between Decker and Shelby, it's raw and honest. She's grieving. Rightfully so. I felt like her grief was portrayed in a realistic way. The story flowed well, and focuses around the two of them. I like that in a book like this. The little twists and turns, all made this book just a cut above the rest. Ranch residents, like Kyla are there but are in the background, but not invisible. I loved them too. And the piglet!!
My one big regret here is I didn't know about this series sooner and I will back read the other books.
Maggie McGinnis is a new author to me but she's certainly going to be on my to read list.
Thank you Maggie!!! Great book!!!
**arc from NetGalley and Loveswept in exchange for a fair review**
I have catching up to do in the series. 4.5 stars from me.
Story starts off with Shelby over her head in grief at the loss of her beloved father who died in a plane crash. Shelby is a "pop star" because that's what the record label turned her into at a young age, she's got one more album to complete her contract and her heart isn't in it and hasn't been. Raised by her singer/songwriter famous Daddy, they travelled the country on a bus, singing songs and living life. Shelby has some wonderful memories. She knows she sold out and with the death of her father, it weighs heavily. Her manager (ugh), I'm going to call her that.. because I didn't like her and thankfully she isn't a predominant character, sends Shelby off for a month to recoup. She's supposed to be incognito. Away from cameras, press and the pap's. She sends her to Whisper Creek Ranch.
Kyla who runs WC taps Decker to kind of keep his eye on this mystery woman they are getting. They don't know who she is and she's going by her real name Shelby. Not her stage name. Kyla sticks Decker in the cabin next to Shelby. Cooper is an ex cop who literally lost his job, family and reputation because of a case he investigated. Looking for a soft place to land, he ended up here in the middle of Montana. Wrangling horses and breathing in the fresh air.
Decker tries to draw her out, she's still shut up in her cabin most days, even with the gals on the ranch who draw to draw her out, it's the onsite Vet and a runt piglet that brings Shelby around. The piglet and Decker. That and a trip to town to the music store that gets Shelby in the backroom alone and she picks up a guitar and plays one of her Dad's song, recognized by the shop owner. Decker talks Shelby into doing an open mic night, Decker can hold his own with a guitar too and sing. She relents and they sing one together.
Shelby is doing better, Decker tells her about his problems back home, and he has to leave the ranch and return to Boston for legal reasons. What transpires here leaves her hurt and feeling helpless.
The girls at the ranch try to help, meanwhile her month is winding down. Things hit the fan at the record label and Shelby returns a week early, ready to get this last leg of her tour over with so she can start her own life... her life. Not the record label. So what happens that Shelby is called back? What happens with Decker and the huge legal problems? Will they see each other again? All for you to find out when you read this book.
I loved this story. Loved it. Loved the dialogue between Decker and Shelby, it's raw and honest. She's grieving. Rightfully so. I felt like her grief was portrayed in a realistic way. The story flowed well, and focuses around the two of them. I like that in a book like this. The little twists and turns, all made this book just a cut above the rest. Ranch residents, like Kyla are there but are in the background, but not invisible. I loved them too. And the piglet!!
My one big regret here is I didn't know about this series sooner and I will back read the other books.
Maggie McGinnis is a new author to me but she's certainly going to be on my to read list.
Thank you Maggie!!! Great book!!!
**arc from NetGalley and Loveswept in exchange for a fair review**
February 20, 2017
Shelby Quinn’s life is slowly coming apart, professional and personally. Now that her father has passed away her P.R. person has decided to send her away to Whisper Creek for a month. Whisper Creek is having their first celebrity stay with them at their ranch but they have no Idea who she is. They have asked new employee Cooper Davis former cop to live in the cabin next to hers and act as a body guard without her knowledge. This goes good for a while until her figures out that she cannot cook by the smoke coming out of her cabin, he then goes into cook mode which helps to open her up. This leads the two of them to become closer but throughout the story Cooper and the rest of the staff are still trying to figure out who she is. You also have Cooper’s life still unsettled back in Boston because of the case that made him retire. There was a lot that I liked about this story because the two characters both had to leave the ranch and you realize that the author you is going to take you on a different journey in this story than the other books. I must say I liked it and I liked the characters and dialogue as well. A very good story. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
March 12, 2017
** ARC kindly provided by the publisher for an honest review. **
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!
December 28, 2016
This is a rather sweet and clean romance. The premise is that Shelby Quinn is a pop star who has basically given over her entire life to the music company. She doesn’t like the music she plays and the image of the pop starlet that they have created for her. She would prefer to play the country music that she used to compose with her father, a country-music star who has just died in a plane crash. She’s 28 and doesn’t know who she really is because she’s been playing the role of a Britney Spears (without all the craziness) for so long.
So she’s sent off to the Montana ranch of Whisper Creek which is populated by hot cowboys who have achieved a HEA in the previous books in the series. There she meets Cooper Davis, a Boston policeman who has come to the ranch to be a cowboy. Cooper has been involved in a terrible police scandal in Boston involving crooked cops who gave drugs to teenage runaway girls to run a prostitution ring. He reported it and they tried to pin the crime on him. Although he was acquitted, his testimony sent his cousin to jail and his father hasn’t forgiven him. So he’s come out to Montana to start over.
Somehow, in a way that is never explained, this cop, son and grandson of cops, also has great cowboy skills. Just go with it. He’s asked to keep an eye on the celebrity guest hiding out in one of the ranch’s cabins. They meet and fall for each other. Their burgeoning romance is very sweetly done because they become friends first. Their sexual relationship is handled like a 1950s movie with the door closed behind them. Although we do have this supposedly very careful cop/cowboy abandon a gas grill with hamburgers cooking to go in and spend the night with Shelby behind that closed door. That detail bothered me a bit.
It’s not enough that they have a growing friendship; it also turns out that Cooper has a wonderful singing voice and just happens to love country music and can play an endless list of those songs, including all of Shelby’s father’s songs on the guitar. I guess he acquired that skill in Boston while he was learning to ride horses and work on a ranch.
If you can ignore some of these niggling questions and get used to the idea of a woman in her late 20s who lets herself be handled without every voicing a protest even once, the relationship that develops between Cooper and Shelby is quite sweet. It all gets resolved rather easily and without much that is believable and that provoked some metaphorical eye rolls as I was reading it, but I still thought it was worth the read.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So she’s sent off to the Montana ranch of Whisper Creek which is populated by hot cowboys who have achieved a HEA in the previous books in the series. There she meets Cooper Davis, a Boston policeman who has come to the ranch to be a cowboy. Cooper has been involved in a terrible police scandal in Boston involving crooked cops who gave drugs to teenage runaway girls to run a prostitution ring. He reported it and they tried to pin the crime on him. Although he was acquitted, his testimony sent his cousin to jail and his father hasn’t forgiven him. So he’s come out to Montana to start over.
Somehow, in a way that is never explained, this cop, son and grandson of cops, also has great cowboy skills. Just go with it. He’s asked to keep an eye on the celebrity guest hiding out in one of the ranch’s cabins. They meet and fall for each other. Their burgeoning romance is very sweetly done because they become friends first. Their sexual relationship is handled like a 1950s movie with the door closed behind them. Although we do have this supposedly very careful cop/cowboy abandon a gas grill with hamburgers cooking to go in and spend the night with Shelby behind that closed door. That detail bothered me a bit.
It’s not enough that they have a growing friendship; it also turns out that Cooper has a wonderful singing voice and just happens to love country music and can play an endless list of those songs, including all of Shelby’s father’s songs on the guitar. I guess he acquired that skill in Boston while he was learning to ride horses and work on a ranch.
If you can ignore some of these niggling questions and get used to the idea of a woman in her late 20s who lets herself be handled without every voicing a protest even once, the relationship that develops between Cooper and Shelby is quite sweet. It all gets resolved rather easily and without much that is believable and that provoked some metaphorical eye rolls as I was reading it, but I still thought it was worth the read.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2017
*** ARC provided by the author for an honest review ***
Meant To Be is the upcoming spring release from Maggie McGinnis. It's the fifth novel in her Whisper Creek Series. It's a delightful new addition to her work and a huge favorite of mine this year. I truly enjoyed every bit.
Maggie's writing is light, funny, and at times packs that emotional pull you want. She gives you characters you can watch struggle, grow and laugh with. It's a beautiful thing when an author can bring their characters to life. Let the reader connect with them. I think Maggie did a tremendous job.
Shelby grew up loving music. It was in her bones, her veins flowing with the melodies. Having to live her life not fully enjoying the music the way she used to do, was hard on her. Her life is constantly under the microscope. Being scrutinized about the littlest things can tear a person down.
And for Shelby that is her life. This is how her life has turned out. Nothing is the same after that tragic event that plagued her a few weeks ago. Now she will do anything to get back to the girl she once was. The girl she forgot she was. Not the pop puppet they want her to be, but the country girl who loves her dad and music.
Cooper had made mistakes. Ones he'll regret for the rest of his life, but the choice to tell the truth isn't one of them. The events that led him to his truth are some that's hard for him to let go. And sometimes it's hard to get away from your past. To grow from it.
But when the people closest to you deceive you, where do you go? Who do you turn to?
Cooper never thought he would trade Boston for Montana, but here he is riding horses by day, and sitting on broken down chairs at night. However, he's here now and his life is just starting to clear. That is until a beautiful blonde shows up, bringing everything he has worked hard for up in the air.
For Shelby she never thought her time away would have her changing the rules to everything she knows. But how can she say no to the only guy who is determined to help he find her true self again.
I fell in love with the story of Cooper and Shelby. I truly enjoyed every minute I was with them. And you will too. Maggie will transport you to a small Montana town, and have you mesmerized by the country soul between the pages. All of Meant To Be is something you need to experience yourself. It's definitely a must for this spring.
Five stars.
Reviewed by Lindsey W.
Meant To Be is the upcoming spring release from Maggie McGinnis. It's the fifth novel in her Whisper Creek Series. It's a delightful new addition to her work and a huge favorite of mine this year. I truly enjoyed every bit.
Maggie's writing is light, funny, and at times packs that emotional pull you want. She gives you characters you can watch struggle, grow and laugh with. It's a beautiful thing when an author can bring their characters to life. Let the reader connect with them. I think Maggie did a tremendous job.
Shelby grew up loving music. It was in her bones, her veins flowing with the melodies. Having to live her life not fully enjoying the music the way she used to do, was hard on her. Her life is constantly under the microscope. Being scrutinized about the littlest things can tear a person down.
And for Shelby that is her life. This is how her life has turned out. Nothing is the same after that tragic event that plagued her a few weeks ago. Now she will do anything to get back to the girl she once was. The girl she forgot she was. Not the pop puppet they want her to be, but the country girl who loves her dad and music.
Cooper had made mistakes. Ones he'll regret for the rest of his life, but the choice to tell the truth isn't one of them. The events that led him to his truth are some that's hard for him to let go. And sometimes it's hard to get away from your past. To grow from it.
But when the people closest to you deceive you, where do you go? Who do you turn to?
Cooper never thought he would trade Boston for Montana, but here he is riding horses by day, and sitting on broken down chairs at night. However, he's here now and his life is just starting to clear. That is until a beautiful blonde shows up, bringing everything he has worked hard for up in the air.
For Shelby she never thought her time away would have her changing the rules to everything she knows. But how can she say no to the only guy who is determined to help he find her true self again.
I fell in love with the story of Cooper and Shelby. I truly enjoyed every minute I was with them. And you will too. Maggie will transport you to a small Montana town, and have you mesmerized by the country soul between the pages. All of Meant To Be is something you need to experience yourself. It's definitely a must for this spring.
Five stars.
Reviewed by Lindsey W.
March 21, 2017
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
3.5 stars
** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
Meant to Be is the fifth book in the Whisper Creek series but it can be read as a stand alone. I have followed this series from the beginning and highly recommend reading the entire thing for the simple reason that you will fall in love with it.
I feel like I am becoming a bit of a broken record when I talk about the Whisper Creek series. I have stated many times that it was the setting that sucked me in and made each book so enjoyable. That fact still remains true. I loved everything about Whisper Creek and the people in it. I could see myself staying there and I could see myself spending time with all of the oh so likeable characters. For readers who have followed this series all along, their favourite characters from previous books made an appearance or too. Don't worry though...if you haven't read any of the others, it won't take long for them to become your favourites too. McGinnis did a spectacular job of creating people and a place that breathe beauty and contentment for a lack of better words.
In this instalment we met Cooper and Shelby. Cooper was a relatively new cowboy to the ranch who was assigned, being an ex cop, to watch out for Shelby while she stayed at Whisper Creek. Under a different name a wig and contacts, Shelby was a famous singer who was taking a break from the limelight after the death of her father.
It was pretty easy to see the direction this book was taking but just like any good contemporary romance there were major bumps in the road and complications along the way. Both Shelby and Cooper had a history and secrets that made being together impossible. Regardless, the chemistry and connection was undeniable.
Admittedly, I liked a few of the other Whisper Creek books a little better than this one but I still enjoyed it. Whisper Creek is like a little piece of heaven that you can visit over and over without ever getting sick of it.
3.5 stars
** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
Meant to Be is the fifth book in the Whisper Creek series but it can be read as a stand alone. I have followed this series from the beginning and highly recommend reading the entire thing for the simple reason that you will fall in love with it.
I feel like I am becoming a bit of a broken record when I talk about the Whisper Creek series. I have stated many times that it was the setting that sucked me in and made each book so enjoyable. That fact still remains true. I loved everything about Whisper Creek and the people in it. I could see myself staying there and I could see myself spending time with all of the oh so likeable characters. For readers who have followed this series all along, their favourite characters from previous books made an appearance or too. Don't worry though...if you haven't read any of the others, it won't take long for them to become your favourites too. McGinnis did a spectacular job of creating people and a place that breathe beauty and contentment for a lack of better words.
In this instalment we met Cooper and Shelby. Cooper was a relatively new cowboy to the ranch who was assigned, being an ex cop, to watch out for Shelby while she stayed at Whisper Creek. Under a different name a wig and contacts, Shelby was a famous singer who was taking a break from the limelight after the death of her father.
It was pretty easy to see the direction this book was taking but just like any good contemporary romance there were major bumps in the road and complications along the way. Both Shelby and Cooper had a history and secrets that made being together impossible. Regardless, the chemistry and connection was undeniable.
Admittedly, I liked a few of the other Whisper Creek books a little better than this one but I still enjoyed it. Whisper Creek is like a little piece of heaven that you can visit over and over without ever getting sick of it.
March 14, 2017
Wow. Wow. Wow. Can this series get any better? With every new book in this amazing series I find myself wishing harder and harder that Whisper Creek really existed. Maybe if I wish hard enough, it will somehow materialize out of thin air? It's worth a try!
Every time I reach the end of a new book, I think Mrs. McGinnis won’t be able to write anything better. Then a new book comes out and she sweeps me off my feet. Again. And again. And again.
Meant To Be is another page-turner that won’t let go until you reach the end. Mrs. McGinnis made me fall in love with cowboys from the very first book, but an ex-cop turned cowboy? Well, the hotness scale tips dangerously toward love at first sight (or page?). Add the love for country music and the fact that he plays the guitar and, well, I’m a goner.
I love coming back to my favorite ranch and meeting my favorite group of people—not only the handsome cowboys, but also the funny and sassy women who stole their hearts. The thing I love the most about these books is that there is always the perfect combination of romanticism, suspense and chemistry while keeping it clean. Maggie McGinnis books always make your heart race and pull you right into the story, making you root for the characters from the first page.
If you’ve enjoyed the previous books in the series, you’re guaranteed to love this. If you’ve yet to discover the cowboys of Whisper Creek, go ahead and pick up Meant To Be anyway. It works as a standalone and I bet it will make you want to go back and read the previous four books as soon as you’ve finished this one.
If you like sweet romances with hot cowboys and sassy heroines, you definitely want to read the Whisper Creek books. And this one is perfect for fans of country music, too!
Read my full review here: http://robertasdreamworld.blogspot.it...
*** I received a NetGalley ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
Every time I reach the end of a new book, I think Mrs. McGinnis won’t be able to write anything better. Then a new book comes out and she sweeps me off my feet. Again. And again. And again.
Meant To Be is another page-turner that won’t let go until you reach the end. Mrs. McGinnis made me fall in love with cowboys from the very first book, but an ex-cop turned cowboy? Well, the hotness scale tips dangerously toward love at first sight (or page?). Add the love for country music and the fact that he plays the guitar and, well, I’m a goner.
I love coming back to my favorite ranch and meeting my favorite group of people—not only the handsome cowboys, but also the funny and sassy women who stole their hearts. The thing I love the most about these books is that there is always the perfect combination of romanticism, suspense and chemistry while keeping it clean. Maggie McGinnis books always make your heart race and pull you right into the story, making you root for the characters from the first page.
If you’ve enjoyed the previous books in the series, you’re guaranteed to love this. If you’ve yet to discover the cowboys of Whisper Creek, go ahead and pick up Meant To Be anyway. It works as a standalone and I bet it will make you want to go back and read the previous four books as soon as you’ve finished this one.
If you like sweet romances with hot cowboys and sassy heroines, you definitely want to read the Whisper Creek books. And this one is perfect for fans of country music, too!
Read my full review here: http://robertasdreamworld.blogspot.it...
*** I received a NetGalley ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
March 6, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
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 hiding out famous popstar with 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 3 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!
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 hiding out famous popstar with 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 3 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!
March 30, 2017
Shelby Quinn is lost. Her life has been crumbling for years. She doesn't know who she is anymore. All this then her dad is killed in a airplane crash on his way to come and help her. She's hit the bottom. For years other people have been telling her what to do and how to act. She's been a music business puppet for her record label. They tuck her into Whisper Creek Ranch which for her is the middle of nowhere. She's supposed to hide and collect herself before hitting what is to be the last leg of her final tour. Cooper Davis is doing his own hiding out at Whisper Creek. Things went to hell in a hand basket in his hometown of Boston where he was a cop. He uncovered some bad things and somehow he's been turned into the bad guy. His life and career are ruined and his dad has basically disowned him. All he's got is his Whisper Creek family and his 14 year old sister and maybe he's got Shelby too. These two character's couldn't be father apart in their public lives but in their private lives they match each other perfectly. Cooper is there to protect Shelby but she wants to return the favor when he's called back to Boston. An interesting book with awesome characters. It was fun to watch Cooper win over Shelby. Gaining her trust isn't easy but once he does her loyalty to him is endless. Great read!
January 14, 2017
Meant to Be by Maggie McGinnis is a sweet, hot, and charming read. I couldn't stop reading it. Meant to Be is about a woman and man finding themselves, getting past their troubles, and maybe finding love too. Both characters were the kind that immediately pulled me into their story. Each had something under their belts that needed to be told. Needed to be heard. They needed one another. But when their time together ends, it is up to the, to decide where their futures lie.
Meant to Be is a contemporary romance that pulls at the hearts. A young and single woman has her career crashing around her. Her father was on his way to see her when his plane burned up...after that she lost it. Soon, she finds herself at a stud ranch. This where is the two irresistible characters meet. Maggie McGinnis knew exactly what she was doing...setting up readers to fall head over heels in love. Romantic, enticing, and highly engaging to read. Easy to follow along. I was sucked up into the tale from the beginning to end. Every page was more interesting than the previous. Loved it. Hot sexy men, emotional roller coasters, and the beauty of being oneself...all tied beautifully in this book. Overall, I recommend this romance to readers worldwide.
Meant to Be is a contemporary romance that pulls at the hearts. A young and single woman has her career crashing around her. Her father was on his way to see her when his plane burned up...after that she lost it. Soon, she finds herself at a stud ranch. This where is the two irresistible characters meet. Maggie McGinnis knew exactly what she was doing...setting up readers to fall head over heels in love. Romantic, enticing, and highly engaging to read. Easy to follow along. I was sucked up into the tale from the beginning to end. Every page was more interesting than the previous. Loved it. Hot sexy men, emotional roller coasters, and the beauty of being oneself...all tied beautifully in this book. Overall, I recommend this romance to readers worldwide.
February 27, 2017
Another installment of the Whisper Creek series has me hooked again.
Fairly naïve pop star Shelby has tragedy strike when her father dies in a plane crash—on his way to see her. She is about to fall apart not only because of her father, but because of her dwindling career as a pop star, her dissatisfaction in the pop music business, and a reflection of her life in general.
Her assistant sends her to a remote ranch in Montana for a month to mend. There Shelby meets Cooper, a Boston cop with issues of his own. Cooper is assigned to Shelby to keep an eye on her. Whisper Creek Ranch has never had a celebrity before and they want to ensure she is kept safe.
The story is adorably sweet as Cooper tries to draw Shelby from her world of dark. Shelby’s emotional rollercoaster is accurately portrayed, neither too dark nor too fluffy. Dealing with the loss of someone is not something to be taken lightly. And Shelby comes with her fair share of baggage. As does Cooper. But they find their way to each other.
*I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Fairly naïve pop star Shelby has tragedy strike when her father dies in a plane crash—on his way to see her. She is about to fall apart not only because of her father, but because of her dwindling career as a pop star, her dissatisfaction in the pop music business, and a reflection of her life in general.
Her assistant sends her to a remote ranch in Montana for a month to mend. There Shelby meets Cooper, a Boston cop with issues of his own. Cooper is assigned to Shelby to keep an eye on her. Whisper Creek Ranch has never had a celebrity before and they want to ensure she is kept safe.
The story is adorably sweet as Cooper tries to draw Shelby from her world of dark. Shelby’s emotional rollercoaster is accurately portrayed, neither too dark nor too fluffy. Dealing with the loss of someone is not something to be taken lightly. And Shelby comes with her fair share of baggage. As does Cooper. But they find their way to each other.
*I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.*
March 14, 2017
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*
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*
August 7, 2022
"Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review"
3.5 stars
Maggie McGinnis delivers a very sweet and sensitive romance about two people going through rather extreme situations. The heroine’s grieving over her father’s death is heartbreakingly described and is one of the features I loved the most.
I also liked the treatment of the effects of fame in celebrities, the weariness, the anxiety, even the paranoia.
It’s also interesting to watch the healing effect of music in the main characters.
In the second part, I got a bit distracted with the dialogue, that dragged a bit.
Overall a great story, great characters and a new author that I’ll be following, I liked her writing style.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, the author, Maggie McGinnis, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
3.5 stars
Maggie McGinnis delivers a very sweet and sensitive romance about two people going through rather extreme situations. The heroine’s grieving over her father’s death is heartbreakingly described and is one of the features I loved the most.
I also liked the treatment of the effects of fame in celebrities, the weariness, the anxiety, even the paranoia.
It’s also interesting to watch the healing effect of music in the main characters.
In the second part, I got a bit distracted with the dialogue, that dragged a bit.
Overall a great story, great characters and a new author that I’ll be following, I liked her writing style.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, the author, Maggie McGinnis, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
February 5, 2017
Meant to Be is another great addition to the Whisper Creek series. Cooper Davis was a detective in Boston when a dirty investigation cost him his job, family and the life that he knew. He is now in Montana at Whisper Creek Ranch working, trying to move on. Shelby Quinn, aka Tara Gibson, the famous pop star princess has just lost her father in a plane accident. Shelby hides away at Whisper Creek for a well needed break. Cooper was asked to watch over Whisper Creek's VIP guest. Who would have thought that Cooper and Shelby would have instant chemistry. Will their love be enough to survive what is coming in their future. I absolutely fell in love with this series and all of the characters. Meant to Be is a quick, sweet, enjoyable read.
March 21, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be the last! This was such an emotional book to read. You go from tears to laughter throughout the book. Shelby is hiding away in Montana at a ranch while she deals with the death of her famous country singer father. Shelby herself is a pop star but under the name of Tara Gibson. Cooper is working at the ranch while he is in exile from his hometown due to a police case gone bad. The story had a great pace, they didn't fall in love immediately, you watched them grow as individuals and slowly learn to trust each other.. The dialogue between Shelby and Cooper was amazing, sometimes it was cute, sometimes sad and gut wrenching and other times it was smoking hot. I loved everything about this book!
February 7, 2017
Shelby Quinn is a great singer who grew up with her dad and his music. When he dies she falls apart and her friend books her a month stay at Whisper Creek dude ranch. Cooper Davis is a police officer who had his badge taken away due to a scandel. He works at Whisper Creek. He thinks Shelby is spoiled and selfish. He is assigned to be her bodyguard under an assume identify. As he gets to know Shelby he finds she is much more than he thought. This is a beautiful story and well worth the time to read it.
May 1, 2017
Sweet romance between a young singer mourning the death of her father and an honest cop wrongly accused of wrong doing. Set in Montana at the Whisper Creek Ranch for most of the story, the couple finds comfort and love with each other, but each believes the other deserves better.
With plenty of interference on the part of family and friends, they realize that together...they can soar.
Heartwarming tale set in a location we would all love to live in. I was lucky enough to be chosen to receive an ARC from Netgalley.
With plenty of interference on the part of family and friends, they realize that together...they can soar.
Heartwarming tale set in a location we would all love to live in. I was lucky enough to be chosen to receive an ARC from Netgalley.
September 11, 2023
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
I've enjoyed reading these books about Whisper Creek and the cast of lost souls that it collects. Shelby is hiding from her career as a popstar and Cooper is hiding from a detective case gone bad. While I'm not a fan of using a ruse to protect Shelby, it's clear that she needed it and I really enjoyed watching her get to know the area and the people. A good read!
I've enjoyed reading these books about Whisper Creek and the cast of lost souls that it collects. Shelby is hiding from her career as a popstar and Cooper is hiding from a detective case gone bad. While I'm not a fan of using a ruse to protect Shelby, it's clear that she needed it and I really enjoyed watching her get to know the area and the people. A good read!
March 4, 2017
Originally posted on lampshadereader.com
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy (Via NetGalley) of this book.
I can always count on a Maggie McGinnis book to make me laugh, cry, and swoon over hottie heroes, ALL. THE. TIME. And Meant to Be is no exception. The fact that this series gives us more cowboys than we know what to do with (not complaining!), it really is one that I always look forward to reading and can’t wait for more!
I said it before and I’ll say it again: Hot Cowboys.
Well, I guess it’s to be expected in Montana, but I seriously wish that Whisper Creek was a real place. SERIOUSLY. And that cowboy calendar that they keep talking about?--can someone make that a real thing please? Sure there are probably some real ones out there, but I want the heroes that are in this series. ::sigh:: I’ll keep wishing.
If a character needs to chill, or re-invent themselves or just recover, Whisper Creek is the place to be. It’s like a ranch with small town romance characteristics. I just love that. Everyone knows your business but the focus on friendships is the key thing to take away from it.
Witty banter and cute dialogue.
I loved Shelby’s and Cooper’s relationship. Their love took time to develop and seemed more realistic. They could not have been more different as well. While they were both at Whisper Creek to lay low, Cooper never wanted to be scrutinized by the public, and Shelby practically has to accept the fact that she had to be scrutinized. She is a pop star after all. Their interactions with each other were so cute and sweet, their teasing banter made me smile a lot.
Haha Cooper, if you only knew...
There were times where I could have shaken Cooper for his stubbornness, but in the end his reasoning made sense. As the saying goes: If you love something, let it go.
But as a reader? I was anxious to find out how things would turn out. I didn’t know how the author was going to sort things out. Let’s just say Cooper is in some serious trouble and in the end that could tarnish Shelby’s image. I’m just glad for happily ever afters, because I was kind of worried there.
Even if the saving grace was a tad bit stretching it (that would never have happened in real life-just sayin’), at least we got the closure we wanted and the ending that they both deserved.
A little note...
Can be read as a standalone. (But if you want to know about some of the characters that make an appearance in this one, read the previous books.)
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy (Via NetGalley) of this book.
I can always count on a Maggie McGinnis book to make me laugh, cry, and swoon over hottie heroes, ALL. THE. TIME. And Meant to Be is no exception. The fact that this series gives us more cowboys than we know what to do with (not complaining!), it really is one that I always look forward to reading and can’t wait for more!
I said it before and I’ll say it again: Hot Cowboys.
Well, I guess it’s to be expected in Montana, but I seriously wish that Whisper Creek was a real place. SERIOUSLY. And that cowboy calendar that they keep talking about?--can someone make that a real thing please? Sure there are probably some real ones out there, but I want the heroes that are in this series. ::sigh:: I’ll keep wishing.
If a character needs to chill, or re-invent themselves or just recover, Whisper Creek is the place to be. It’s like a ranch with small town romance characteristics. I just love that. Everyone knows your business but the focus on friendships is the key thing to take away from it.
Witty banter and cute dialogue.
I loved Shelby’s and Cooper’s relationship. Their love took time to develop and seemed more realistic. They could not have been more different as well. While they were both at Whisper Creek to lay low, Cooper never wanted to be scrutinized by the public, and Shelby practically has to accept the fact that she had to be scrutinized. She is a pop star after all. Their interactions with each other were so cute and sweet, their teasing banter made me smile a lot.
“It’s a cowboy thing.”
“Huh?”
“The guys talk about it, and I didn’t want to believe it, but Jesus, you women are powerless against the Stetson. What is it about this thing?”
Haha Cooper, if you only knew...
There were times where I could have shaken Cooper for his stubbornness, but in the end his reasoning made sense. As the saying goes: If you love something, let it go.
But as a reader? I was anxious to find out how things would turn out. I didn’t know how the author was going to sort things out. Let’s just say Cooper is in some serious trouble and in the end that could tarnish Shelby’s image. I’m just glad for happily ever afters, because I was kind of worried there.
Even if the saving grace was a tad bit stretching it (that would never have happened in real life-just sayin’), at least we got the closure we wanted and the ending that they both deserved.
A little note...
Can be read as a standalone. (But if you want to know about some of the characters that make an appearance in this one, read the previous books.)
March 5, 2017
Book Info
ebook, 256 pages
Expected publication: March 14th 2017 by Loveswept
ISBN13 9781101967799
Edition Language English
URL
Series Whisper Creek #5
Other Editions (1)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Buy book from
Amazon
B&N
At twenty-eight, Shelby Quinn is a has-been, and she’s more relieved than devastated. The one-time pop sensation’s latest album just debuted with a whimper, and her tour’s cancellation means she has her first chance to relax since . . . well, ever. But when her beloved father passes away, Shelby’s vacation suddenly becomes a time for soul searching. Alone and broken-hearted, she certainly doesn’t expect to meet a man who understands her in a way no one else ever has.
Cooper Davis was one of the NYPD’s top detectives—until his partner made off with his wife and his reputation. 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 waits for them under the big skies and bright stars.
From my heart there is a yearning to find a place like Whisper Creek, surely it exists somewhere.
Shelby Quinn's world was already spiraling out of control, her pop music persona Tara Gibson was no longer one she was willing to portray.
The news of her fathers untimely death was her breaking point and the reason she was sent to spend a month in Montana at Whisper Creek resort. Her record label wanted her to lay low before embarking on her a tour to promote her latest album.
Stunned and grief stricken Shelby arrives at her destination with no clue how drastically her life had changed so swiftly. However it only takes a few days and the peace of her new surroundings becomes a welcome retreat rather than just a place to hide from reporters.
Not the least reason why this change occurs is her next door neighbor whose spaghetti and hamburger cooking skills prove irresistible to Shelby, especially since she has no culinary skills of her own.
The romance is sweetly poignant, the slow build a refreshing change from instant love and almost from day one sex with each other. I thoroughly enjoyed having Cooper and Shelby find their way to each other and in the process find how to resolve their pasts as well.
ebook, 256 pages
Expected publication: March 14th 2017 by Loveswept
ISBN13 9781101967799
Edition Language English
URL
Series Whisper Creek #5
Other Editions (1)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Buy book from
Amazon
B&N
BOOK BLURB
At twenty-eight, Shelby Quinn is a has-been, and she’s more relieved than devastated. The one-time pop sensation’s latest album just debuted with a whimper, and her tour’s cancellation means she has her first chance to relax since . . . well, ever. But when her beloved father passes away, Shelby’s vacation suddenly becomes a time for soul searching. Alone and broken-hearted, she certainly doesn’t expect to meet a man who understands her in a way no one else ever has.
Cooper Davis was one of the NYPD’s top detectives—until his partner made off with his wife and his reputation. 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 waits for them under the big skies and bright stars.
My Thoughts
From my heart there is a yearning to find a place like Whisper Creek, surely it exists somewhere.
Shelby Quinn's world was already spiraling out of control, her pop music persona Tara Gibson was no longer one she was willing to portray.
The news of her fathers untimely death was her breaking point and the reason she was sent to spend a month in Montana at Whisper Creek resort. Her record label wanted her to lay low before embarking on her a tour to promote her latest album.
Stunned and grief stricken Shelby arrives at her destination with no clue how drastically her life had changed so swiftly. However it only takes a few days and the peace of her new surroundings becomes a welcome retreat rather than just a place to hide from reporters.
Not the least reason why this change occurs is her next door neighbor whose spaghetti and hamburger cooking skills prove irresistible to Shelby, especially since she has no culinary skills of her own.
The romance is sweetly poignant, the slow build a refreshing change from instant love and almost from day one sex with each other. I thoroughly enjoyed having Cooper and Shelby find their way to each other and in the process find how to resolve their pasts as well.
[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
May 27, 2017
It was very good to return to Whisper Creek again in Maggie McGinnis' fifth installment in this series, and it gets another 5-star rating from this reader.
In a series that features calendar-worthy cowboys, how nice to find one hero who wasn't really a cowboy at all, and how surprising that someone like myself, who studiously avoids reading pop-star/rock 'n roll romances, should become so involved in a romance featuring a pop-star-who-doesn't-really-want-to-be-one as the heroine, but that's exactly what happened in this instance.
Shelby Quinn, is a country singer at heart, just like her dad before her, but when she signed with LolliPop records she became pop icon Tara Gibson at the ripe old age of 16. Now that she's 28, her record sales are waning, she's sick of the teeny-bopper songs her music contract forces her to sing, but she's out of options and calls on her dad, a country music legend, to come and help her through this crisis. Sadly, his small plane crashes en route and he dies, leaving Shelby emotionally devastated. Her assistant/manager, Nicola, and her record label, decide to get her out of the public eye for a month to give her time and space to get herself together again, to finish the last 6 months of her scheduled tour and finish her last contracted album for them, which is how Shelby finds herself alone in a cabin at Whisper Creek Guest Ranch in Montana--the one caveat being that she steer clear of other people and especially the paparazzi.
Shelby is not entirely alone, however. There's a man in the honeymoon cabin next to hers, Cooper Davis, and he's certainly attractive, but Shelby can't quite figure out why he's not inside with his bride and instead is on her porch chatting with her. She soon learns that Cooper is single, an ex-cop from Boston, and he's been hiding out at Whisper Creek for several months, while the dust of the accusations against him in Boston clears, and he can return to his job. Although he was acquitted of any wrongdoing, his parents and former co-workers all turned on him for fingering another crooked cop, who was found guilty and is now in jail, and it was his own cousin, Raymond.
So, we have two disenfranchised, wounded, depressed and lonely souls who begin to slowly try to comfort one another. Technically, Cooper is charged with keeping an eye on Shelby and he hasn't a clue who she really is--he's only told that she's a celebrity who must remain anonymous. As they first begin to get to know one another, we learn that he's as sweet, kind, charming, funny and attractive as any fictional hero in recent memory, and he's just the kind of medicine Shelby needs.
Although they've only known each other for several weeks, their chemistry is soon off the charts and when Cooper learns he has to return to Boston because they've reopened the case against him based on fake evidence, what happens to and between these wonderful characters after that point made for an addictive, sweet, absorbing and heartwarming read. Ms. McGinnis' pulled out all the emotional stops in this novel and I absolutely loved it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this novel and received no compensation to doing so.
In a series that features calendar-worthy cowboys, how nice to find one hero who wasn't really a cowboy at all, and how surprising that someone like myself, who studiously avoids reading pop-star/rock 'n roll romances, should become so involved in a romance featuring a pop-star-who-doesn't-really-want-to-be-one as the heroine, but that's exactly what happened in this instance.
Shelby Quinn, is a country singer at heart, just like her dad before her, but when she signed with LolliPop records she became pop icon Tara Gibson at the ripe old age of 16. Now that she's 28, her record sales are waning, she's sick of the teeny-bopper songs her music contract forces her to sing, but she's out of options and calls on her dad, a country music legend, to come and help her through this crisis. Sadly, his small plane crashes en route and he dies, leaving Shelby emotionally devastated. Her assistant/manager, Nicola, and her record label, decide to get her out of the public eye for a month to give her time and space to get herself together again, to finish the last 6 months of her scheduled tour and finish her last contracted album for them, which is how Shelby finds herself alone in a cabin at Whisper Creek Guest Ranch in Montana--the one caveat being that she steer clear of other people and especially the paparazzi.
Shelby is not entirely alone, however. There's a man in the honeymoon cabin next to hers, Cooper Davis, and he's certainly attractive, but Shelby can't quite figure out why he's not inside with his bride and instead is on her porch chatting with her. She soon learns that Cooper is single, an ex-cop from Boston, and he's been hiding out at Whisper Creek for several months, while the dust of the accusations against him in Boston clears, and he can return to his job. Although he was acquitted of any wrongdoing, his parents and former co-workers all turned on him for fingering another crooked cop, who was found guilty and is now in jail, and it was his own cousin, Raymond.
So, we have two disenfranchised, wounded, depressed and lonely souls who begin to slowly try to comfort one another. Technically, Cooper is charged with keeping an eye on Shelby and he hasn't a clue who she really is--he's only told that she's a celebrity who must remain anonymous. As they first begin to get to know one another, we learn that he's as sweet, kind, charming, funny and attractive as any fictional hero in recent memory, and he's just the kind of medicine Shelby needs.
Although they've only known each other for several weeks, their chemistry is soon off the charts and when Cooper learns he has to return to Boston because they've reopened the case against him based on fake evidence, what happens to and between these wonderful characters after that point made for an addictive, sweet, absorbing and heartwarming read. Ms. McGinnis' pulled out all the emotional stops in this novel and I absolutely loved it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this novel and received no compensation to doing so.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews