Taking Chances

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This review was posted at My Secret Romance I'm an emotional wreck right now. I think I'm going to need therapy after reading this book. I am devastated and distraught with too many emotions that I can hardly think straight.

I don't even know where to begin. This book was a bittersweet find for me. It has everything I love in my angsty reads- and the one thing I hate. Raised by her strict Military single father, Harper grew up around jar heads her entire life. She doesn't have a normal relationsh This review was posted at My Secret Romance I'm an emotional wreck right now.

She doesn't have a normal relationship with her father, she never dated, never had girlfriends and surely did not wear make up. Wanting to experience a normal life outside of the Military base, she heads to a college hundreds of miles away. Harper quickly finds herself in a relationship with college student Brandon, an attractive underground fighter. Much to her demise, she is fighting her growing attraction to her roommates brother, Chase. He's got that come hither look about him and every girl wants him.

He's a bad boy to say the least and you can't help but find yourself drawn to him and every page his name is on. Life for Harper is seemingly going great for her. She's doing well in school, has a wonderful best friend and a boyfriend who is head over heels in love with her. She even became an honorary member of Bree's family. A family who opened their opens to her with unconditional love which is something she never had as a child. But one night an unforeseen event will change everything. Their lives will be irrevocably turned upside down with something no one saw coming. Nothing will ever be normal for Harper again.

This book really did a number on me. It was like a mixture of both and I find myself stuck in between. I wanted to cry and curse every name in the book at the same time! I love this book yet I hate it so much. I guess when a book leaves this much of an impression on your you know it's good. I know I had a few issues with the rocky beginning but that all went out the window once this book picked up. I could think of nothing else but what was happening in the story. It rocked my world in so many ways! There were a few parts of this book that came as a shock to me- they will for anyone, but the biggest one is one I never saw coming.

I don't think I will ever be able to get over it. I can understand why the author did it, but damn it hurt like hell! I cried and then I felt like screaming on the top of my lungs. I shed tears up until the very end with the beautiful lily scene. It broke my heart. In case you're wondering, there is a happily every after with this book. It just may not be the one you want. I'm not sure how I could possibly rate this book. Some thoughts while I'm reading: How big is this book? I feel like I've read so much already.

Very closely related storyline though. But I'm loving all the drama it will bring! This is a heart shattering twist! I think I'm going to be sick. Did I just read that correctly? Oh I must have since I feel like I am dying inside now! I need to finish this book. I don't care if I'm up all night.

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I will finish it! I want to be happy for Harper Every little thing reminds me of what could have been or what they had. His smile, his snarky comments, his undying love, the expressions on his face I'm trying to move on, and I have, but I can't find the right happy place. It's a melancholy sort of ending for me. Favorite line- Will post later when I can think straight again. Dec 17, Angela rated it did not like it Shelves: Taking Chances was like reading Beautiful Disaster all over again.

I was past being annoyed. Every single person and event in this book set me off. This book had me laughing Harper is one of the most throat punching females I've read in the longest. She comes from a very sheltered background. Girl hasn't even gone to a mall before. Yeah, I don't believe it either. Every guy must have her. If you've read any NA you know what I'm talking about. When this occurs in books I get so annoyed. Every guy within a ten mile radius turns into a giant caveman just knowing she is close. All the guys that are falling head over for her are dying too: Why all these men are doing this is beyond me.

Harper is boring as watching paint dry. She has no personality and no depth. On to Chase, the tattooed bad boy from the right side of the tracks. He is of course a man-whore, rebel, tough guy. Good god help me. Give him an amazing personality? Ha, no that would be ridiculous So what does she do? She doesn't stop there though she gives him grey eyes His eyes change colors!!!!! He literately has all the eyes yall! Like I know this is a real thing that can happen So as you can guess there's a love triangle between the three of them.

Someone is either punching someone or running off in tears. She starts dating Brandon but is sleeping with Chase Cool your jets it's not a spoiler. This is where the story goes from bad to worse. The plot starts spiraling out of control. This is where I start rambling and dropping spoilers! Look away if you don't wanna know. So Harper is cheating on Brandon and gets knocked up by Chase. She doesn't tell anyone but his family! Then she sees Chase tell him she broke up with Brandon days ago-which is a lie- continues to keep the baby a secret- finally breaks up with Brandon- Chase stumbles upon the ultra sound because Harper is living with his family.

Not him just his family. He gets all lovey and of freaking course wants to marry her. So they start becoming legit and things start to actually get kind of cute, but that last all of like two seconds. A random girl is introduced at the shop Chase works at failed to mention as a college student he somehow managed to become a full time tattoo artist. So of course this girl is hell-bent on breaking the two up so you guessed it she drugs him at a party, takes pictures of them together, and sends them to Harper.

This of course send Harper into a jealous rage. Don't worry Brandon is there to be a shoulder to cry on She has a moment with Brandon decides to put on her big girl panties and face Chase. Even though Chase swears he never did anything and doesn't remember it happening Harper still dumps him and says she needs space. He then leaves the house Seriously goes straight from the fight to wham dead. This is what really did it in for me After he dies home-girl goes back to Brandon!!! Like with no time passing at all. Chase's family actually convinces her to do it!

Now after all this Harper gets pregnant again. This time it really is Brandon's View all 20 comments. Kayla Gonna stay far away from this one Sep 07, Veronica I have no plans to read this book I have zero tolerance for love triangles but your review was most definitely entertaining. Sep 08, Tough Critic Book Reviews rated it really liked it. This book should come with a warning label I'm scared of bananas. I'm absolutely terrified of a yellow fruit shaped like a penis I feel sorry for inanimate objects. I once bought the ugliest bird shaped candle just because I was afraid nobody else would.

I named him Herbert I think that every time someone renews their driver's license they should be required to take a test on the rules of a four-way stop I've never kissed a girl and I'm pretty sure I'm the only human being wi This book should come with a warning label What does all of this have to do with Taking Chances? I'm just desperately trying to get this book out of my head. I can't get it out! Every thought, every feeling, every emotion for the past twenty four hours can be traced back to this book.

I haven't stopped thinking about Taking Chances since the moment I finished! The book started off as a cross between Thoughtless and Beautiful Disaster.

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That's one helluva literary cocktail. But eventually the story completely evolved into something totally unique. A story that left me emotional incontinent. Molly McAdams didn't just go all "Temple of Doom" and rip out my heart! She ripped it out, played hacky sack with it for a bit, then attempted to kiss it and make it better. You almost destroyed me, but it hurt so good!! Taking Chances is almost like having two books in one. I felt like I was reading a book that was immediately followed by its sequel. I totally loved that, but it did kind of make the ending drag on.

Maybe by that point I was just too emotionally exhausted, but I feel it could have been edited and trimmed down just a bit. However, that was my only complaint. As much as this story tore me apart, I realize now that everything happened as it should. Yes it broke my heart and left me feeling breathless, but it also took me on an incredible journey that touched my soul. And by the end of the book View all 79 comments. Sep 07, Marie rated it did not like it Shelves: I tried guys, I tried. For those people who have messaged me and told me to not be so critical when I haven't finished the book.

There's just so many things wrong with this book. Even if I read it to the very end I can most assure you Taking Chances lovers that my views will never change. I ask that you respect my views and if you do not well We walked into the living room, and I almost chickened out when I saw Chase sitting on the couch. He lifted his head when he heard us come in and started to stand but Robert held him down.

His eyes were puffy and red, and his cheeks were still wet. Robert tried to smile warmly at me, but it came out more of a grimace, and Claire looked like a wreck. She wrapped her arms around me and began crying. It took me a minute, but after recounting Bree's worry that I wouldn't come back, I realized why everyone else was upset too. Mom and Dad thought I would leave and take their grandchild with me. I'm hurting for you Harper, I love you as if you were my own daughter.

The one person I hate! How could you do this to me? How could you do this to our baby?! I mean I don't know, I don't remember anything! I was at the party and the next thing I know I'm waking up to Breanna and Konrad screaming at me and Trish is in my bed with me. But I swear I wouldn't touch her, I wouldn't touch anyone. You know how I feel about her Chase, and then you invite her to a party I just happen to not be at? Everyone thinks you came back to me last night, and yet she walks out of your room this morning wearing your shirt and you were practically naked in the bed?

I didn't know she was going to show up.

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Why can't I be excuse enough? You should have told her a long time ago that she needed to stop, that you were in a relationship and going to be a father and her flirting with you wasn't okay! Instead, you let her continue to flirt with you and invite you over to her place in the middle of the night. When I was around she would be hanging off your arm, and you think I'm going to believe that you didn't sleep with her when I wasn't around?

But I wouldn't sleep with her baby you have to believe me! That is exactly why I don't believe you, you can't even tell me the truth when you know I've seen the pictures. I powered up my phone and waited for it to stop chiming from the dozens of texts and voicemails I'd received from Chase, Bree and Mom. When they were done I opened the texts from Chase and scrolled through the ones he had sent me after waking up this morning, until I got to the pictures.

I held my phone out and waited for him to come get it. He took it with a shaking hand and after a moment that felt like a lifetime sucked in a sharp gasp. No, no I wouldn't. You know I love you! But I can't continue to be in this relationship, besides, we both know it has been doomed from the beginning.

I don't want anything without you! You are my everything Harper. You and our baby are my everything. I can't lose you. But Chase, you have just shattered my heart, over what will probably only be one night with Trish. Because of that, I can't be yours right now.

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We're going to have to start over as friends though. I promise I wouldn't have done that to you, I don't remember anything from last night. But I need a few days before we can try to be friends. I really — I'm hurting Chase, I feel like you just confirmed every fear I've ever had of being in a relationship with you. And I'm still not sure how to begin to deal with this.

I love you Harper, more than you could ever imagine. Chase's phone rang, snapping us out of the moment. You just ruined my life, do you understand that?! Don't fucking apologize to me! Harper is the only person you should be apologizing to, but understandunderstand that if you ever contact her, or me for that matter, again, I will make the rest of your life a living hell!

When he saw my movements, his face fell, his anger quickly fading. I can't say that enough Harper, I'm so, so sorry. Please don't end us though, I will earn your trust again somehow, just don't do this. Let's give it a few days, and we'll see if we can start again as friends. No matter what happens to us Chase, I want you in his life.

View all 96 comments. Sep 07, Erin rated it did not like it. Let me see if I can scrape together the pieces that are left of my shattered heart and try to come up with a way to review this book. I debated for a few days whether or not I wanted to bother, but I decided to go ahead for one reason, and that is to give the character I fell head-over-heels for the attention and remembrance that he didn't get in this story. I freely admit that I'm an emotional reader. I read as an escape, to immerse myself in the thrills, suspense, romance, and beautiful writin Let me see if I can scrape together the pieces that are left of my shattered heart and try to come up with a way to review this book.

I read as an escape, to immerse myself in the thrills, suspense, romance, and beautiful writing that can make that all seem real. For that reason, I don't want to get completely invested in a character only to have them unhappy in the end. So, I didn't go into this book blind after I saw some very upset readers' comments, and I thought what I knew of the story prepared me for the heart-wrenching event I'd heard so much about.

In fact, I was completely engrossed in this book and loving every bit of it until that moment, which really just makes it that much worse. Knowing what I know now, though, I wish I had just never read this story ugh, Donna, if I had just read your review first!!! That's where I stopped. That's where for me, this beautiful story was thrown away and turned into something I wanted no part of.

I did end up skimming through to the end, just to reaffirm some of the comments other irate readers were making and so that I could say with confidence this book deserved the rating I'm giving it. I'm really not sure what part angers me most. I don't want to completely give away the plot here, but I definitely feel the need to share what I think was a huge mistake for a writer to make. The heartbreaking moment in this story was something that could have been handled without a complete disregard for the emotional investment of the readers, but it wasn't.

I honestly feel like McAdams had more concern about making this story shocking and dramatic so that it stands out in it's genre, instead of thinking about how upsetting it would be for her readers. I'm actually shocked that she was even okay with writing the story this way, because to me it shows a complete detachment from a beautiful, memorable character that she herself created. And I think that's where she really lost me, because I want a writer to be just as emotionally invested as I am when I'm reading a story like this.

Okay, so here's where the spoilers come in, so don't read on if you don't want to know specifics I was actually more a fan of Brandon for awhile, since Chase started out as a mega alpha-male that didn't seem emotionally invested in Harper. But as the story goes on and we see how their incredible spark turns into a deep, heartfelt relationship between them, I fell so hard for Chase. McAdams made him such an incredible character, my heart just melted at the thought of the beautiful life he and Harper would have.

She had tamed him, changed his life and made him a better person that made better decisions in his life. Hell, she was even practically a member of their family already, she'd been going to family Sundays over at the parent's house for months and was best friends with Chase's sister.

They were truly just perfect for each other, despite the pain it had caused Brandon. So when soon-to-be father Chase was killed off, I was done. After I made the decision to skim through the remainder of the book, I tried to detach myself from Chase's story and just take in whatever else happened. But the more I read, the more it infuriated me.

THe story post-Chase turns into this fairytale of "we're all so happy, come on, that's what Chase would have wanted", as if his life really didn't mean enough to cause a change in their lives in any way. I was so disgusted that Chase's passing had no affect whatsoever on the rest of the story, unless you count Harper and Brandon taking Liam to his daddy's grave once a year and don't even get me started on Liam's name Why don't we just completely erase any memory of Chase at all Harper's reaction was probably the most difficult to stomach; when she tells Brandon she was "made to love him" as if Chase was never a factor, and has Liam refer to his deceased daddy as "Uncle Chase", it just made me ill.

Even with all of this, I think the biggest, most unforgivable mistake made with this plot for me was how Chase's death happened. I could possibly have gone on with this story if Chase had died in a way that wasn't so cold, cut-off, and heartless. I still liked Brandon and could have seen them consoling each other in grief while they kept Chase's memory a pivotal part of Liam's life in honor of his dad. But Chase's death comes immediately after a heart-wrenching scene where a jealous twit sets him up to look like he cheated. Harper breaks up with him and sends him away completely crushed, determined to prove to the mother of his child that he's innocent.

So alone and shattered, he races through an intersection and slams into a semi. Alone, in unbearable emotional and physical pain, with no one to say goodbye to as he passes on, he dies. I'm crying again just thinking about that god-awful scene, and I don't think I will ever be able to get that mental image out of my mind. It sickened me, ripped my heart out, and made me long to give Chase, the character I grew to love so very much, the love and remembrance he deserved. So, don't laugh, but I'm ending this review with a send-off for my beloved Chase.

I love you sweet Chase, and you will always have a special place in my heart!! View all 59 comments.

Oct 19, Nora rated it did not like it. I'm blown away reading these reviews. Am I the only one who saw the picture-perfect characters and situations completely unrealistic? Why did I keep reading? Because I never start a book and don't finish, it's just a thing. Some tiny spoilers in this review but nothing major. An I'm blown away reading these reviews. Anyway, the story is entertaining for sure love triangle, woohoo! The characters are all soooo super gorgeous, which is referenced over. God forbid Harper doesn't go back to looking perfect a day after having a baby. Everyone is completely in love with Harper, which I never understood because there is NO in-depth character development.

I finished the book and all I knew about Harper was that she falls in love incredibly fast and moves from guy to guy incredibly fast and everyone thinks she's just the bees knees. I have no idea who this girl is. When I read a novel as long as this one, I should feel some connection to the main character. She spends a lot of time bemoaning her situation, which doesn't help me like her either. All of the other characters just struck me as so cliche. This whole book was cliche. I won't ruin the "crazy plot twist", but I can tell you I saw it coming a mile away.

Nothing in this book surprised me, which is a problem. I read this book after reading about 10 amazing books, so that also may be why I was so dissatisfied with this story. Every situation is just wrapped up with a neat little bow all too often throughout the book. And I feel like everyone is making speeches every other page. Brandon makes a speech about how much he loves Harper after having one date and making out constantly. Chase makes a speech about how much he loves Harper and how much he wants to be with her but he "just can't".

Harper makes a speech about how confused her poor little heart is. Bree makes a speech about how awesome Harper is and everyone loves her just so much. Of course, everyone is super rich and no one faces any real struggles. Harper has tons of money, Brandon has tons of money from his awesome totally rad underground fights, guys! Does no one else find this boring? Yay, we all have nice cars and homes and who cares about two babies before age 21 because we're super loaded, yeah!

I took it as poor writing and zero creativity. It's way more fun to read about perfect situations, right?

Taking Chances - Céline Dion - VAGALUME

The whole issue with her dad is weird to me. It was just solved waaaaay too easily at the end. I won't say how, but I was pretty much like, how convenient. She couldn't get off the kitchen counters? They talk about the military and how the driver knew two men from his high school who enlisted, one of whom returned after sustaining severe injuries who is recovering at Walter Reed , and the other who was killed.

Strobl arrives at the airport, where he first renders honors to the PFC as he is offloaded to a cargo area, before saying a curbside goodbye to the driver telling him, he's "a good man". Strobl heads to the check-in counter, where the ticketing agent tells him that he has been upgraded to First Class.

As he goes through security, he tells a somewhat annoyed TSA agent that he cannot put Phelps' personal items into the x-ray scanner because they are not allowed to leave his side at any time for any reason. He also says that he will not take off his Marine Dress Uniform Jacket to go through the metal detector because it would degrade the uniform.

Eventually he is screened in private, with the TSA agent using a metal-detector wand, while the Lt. He then renders honors to the PFC again as the coffin is loaded onto the airplane. On board, the man next to him in first class orders a Jack Daniels, and he orders a water, after which the man asks him "What, are you on duty? While in the air the flight attendant hands him a crucifix and tells him that she wants him to have it.

A few hours later, the plane touches down and Strobl and the PFC's casket wait to change flights in Minneapolis. After the casket is unloaded, Strobl requests to stay with the casket overnight in the airport's cargo area. Despite reservations from the foreman, his request is granted; one of the workers offers him a sleeping bag from his jeep. During this time, Strobl meets a U. The sergeant tells Strobl that he is escorting his deceased brother home. The following morning, the PFC's casket is loaded onto a Northwest Airlines flight as the baggage handlers and even the flight captain pay their respects.

On this flight, Lt. Strobl sits next to a young woman who cheerily offers him a magazine to read, and also texts someone that she is sitting next to a "HOT soldier," which Lt.

Strobl happens to catch a glimpse of and corrects her that he is actually a Marine. Upon landing, the airliner captain, a retired U. Air Force officer and former A attack jet pilot in the first Persian Gulf War, makes a special announcement, asking for the other passengers to remain seated so that Lt. Strobl has a chance to deplane first and render honors for PFC Phelps as his casket is unloaded. The woman sitting next to the Lt.

Col, who had no idea he was on an escort mission for a fallen Marine, is visibly touched, and apologizes for potentially being insensitive with her earlier actions; Lt. Strobl instead warmly thanks her for her company. Strobl is greeted by the funeral director, and they load PFC Phelp's casket for the final part of his journey. Along the way, an impromptu funeral procession forms along the highway, as people in passing cars see Lt. Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Learn more More Like This. Adam and Eve Ben is engaged to marry a sweet girl, but then his high school crush comes back.

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