#Review: Taking Chances by Jennifer Lowery - 3.5 Wine Glasses

Title: Taking Chances (short story)
Author: Jennifer Lowery
Format: Kindle Edition, 41 pages
Published: November 3rd 2012 by Jennifer Lowery
ASINB: 00A1PAJ0A
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Author
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Wine Glasses

***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? 

Linda's Thoughts:
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!

Nora Ashford, our heroine with a mysterious past, and her dog, Ranger, are hiding out at a friend's lodge in Dayton, Colorado. Lucas Stone, our hero, is a rancher and former Navy pilot. In an ice storm, Lucas makes an emergency landing in the meadow near Nora's property. Since travel is not possible due to the storm, Nora reluctantly allows Lucas to take refuge from the elements in her cabin. Each of the characters has baggage. Will the two open up to each other before the storm lets up and they go their separate ways? Beware! Unexpected trouble can erupt when it's least expected!

Following please find two favorite quotes from this tale:

She shifted, bringing them closer. The blanket slipped down to her waist, revealing a blue tee shirt that shouldn't have been sexy, but fit her curves like a second skin and molded her perfect breasts. Their breath mingled. The air charged around them. Their gazes met and locked.
Then Lucas sealed his fate and dropped his gaze to her parted lips.
"I don't want to be alone tonight," she whispered.
---

Confused, she pressed a fist to her mouth to stifle her sobs as her tears came harder.
The door opened and Lucas stood there, bare-chested, a pair of jeans riding low on his lean hips. "Nora? Ah, hell. I hurt you, didn't I?"
He moved into the room and pulled her into his arms, hugging her to his chest. She wanted to fight it, avoid her feelings, but she melted into him, absorbing his warm strength.
"I'm sorry, baby," he murmured.
She shook her head. "you didn't hurt me."
Some of the tension left his muscles. "Well, not to worry, you only hurt me a little, but I'm taking it like a man."

Jennifer has written a story that kept me on the edge of my seat through-out. If you are looking for a short, suspenseful romantic read, curl up in your easy chair with TAKING CHANCES tonight!