Cat Johnson Braves Doll Lil’s Word Association Challenge!

Author: Molly McAdams
Title: Taking Chances
Release: October 16, 2012
Series: Taking chances #1
Reviewer: Mona Leigh
Source: Publisher/Edelweiss
Purchase: | Book Depository

Eighteen year old Harper has grown up under her career Marine of a father’s thumb. Ready to live life her own way and experience things she’s only ever heard of from the jarheads in her father’s unit; she’s on her way to college at San Diego State University.

Thanks to her new roommate, Harper is introduced to a world of parties, gorgeous guys, family and emotions. Some she wasn’t expecting yet, and others she never knew she was missing.

She finds herself being torn in two as she quickly falls in love with her boyfriend Brandon, and her roommate’s brother Chase. Covered in tattoos, known for fighting in the Underground and ridiculously muscled…they’re exactly what she was always warned to stay away from, but just what she needs. Despite their dangerous looks and histories, both adore and would do anything for Harper, including stepping back if it means she’s happy.

Her first year away is turning out to be near perfect, but one weekend of giving in to heated passion will change everything.

When Harper finally moves across country to go to college, she’s on her own for the very first time. Her mother died when she was born, and her father’s a Marine who raised her on base with no affection and very little interaction. So what happens when she gets out on her own? Of course, she starts drinking and partying with her roommate.

Right away, she falls in love with her roommate’s “bad boy” brother, Chase. Then turns around and falls in love with Chase’s roommate, Brandon. Brandon is everything Chase is not – steady, faithful, and patient. So what does Harper do? Loses her virginity to Chase. And gets pregnant.

This book is so filled with angst and has so many twists and turns that I simply had to set it aside for a while until I could regain my perspective. It was definitely interesting. And engaging. But I found myself irritated that absolutely everyone fell in love with Harper. Everyone.

There’s no one on this green earth that everyone loves, and Harper’s no exception. She did stupid stuff, cheated on her boyfriend, acted like a brainless bit of fluff, and still everyone thought she was wonderful. Except her dad.

***This next paragraph contains spoilers***

I guess what got to me the most was when Brandon took her back after Chase died and vowed to accept her baby as his own, knowing full well she’d cheated on him. They never even had sex until months into their marriage, because he didn’t want to rush her. That was just a little too unbelievable. Brandon was a saint, and I’ve never met a man who would forgive so great a transgression.

***End of spoiler***
If you enjoy having your senses insulted, then you’ll enjoy this book, but if you like a little more reality in your stories, you might want to skip this one.

Mona's first grade teacher, Mrs. Stanford, gifted her with the love of reading. For that, she'll always live in her heart. But reading took over Mona's life, eclipsing everything but playing sports, and has continued to be a huge part of her life. Although she has always written poetry and stories for her self, last year she decided to try her hand at writing fiction. She is currently editing her first urban fantasy and hopes to have it ready for the agent by summer's end. Besides reading, Mona loves speed in the form of fast cars. The faster, the better! In her next life, she plans to drive race cars (or whatever happens to be their replacement in the future) all while reading and writing. She has also taken up rune reading, and find it to be disturbingly accurate and exciting.

Doll Mona Leigh

View all posts by Doll Mona Leigh
Mona Leighs website