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.
Due to sexual situations and language, this is Mature YA/New Adult.
Recommended for ages 17+
Holy shit. Taking Chances. Taking Chances. Taking Chances.
Why do I feel like this book should have been named Beautiful Disaster?
Up and down, all around. I'm feeling a little dizzy but more than that, I'm high off of this book. I was addicted to it. You know, I even read the Acknowledgements (where I learned that Molly McAdams has a loyal furry daughter and a husband that sounds just as wonderful as Brandon does), which I don't usually do. I cursed when there were no more pages to flip and then my brain started going over everything that I'd just read. Harper, Bree, Sir, Liam, Brandon, Chase, Konrad, I don't think there's a character that I didn't like. Well, maybe just one...uh, no, I can't hold that against her....
Okay. Let me just get on with my review.
The beginning was a little rough for me. Here is this girl that sounds so perfect that I didn't know if I liked her all that much. Basically, this was my thought process on this:
Princess. AKA Harper.
The damn girl has it so easy. She leaves for college with no tearful goodbyes. She's instantly friends with her roommate. She has a banging body, amazing eyes, and perfect teeth, pouty lips. (This description of herself and she calls other girls ‘Barbie’ look-a-likes?)
She catches the eyes of the two hottest guys on campus and all their friends.
Wow. That's just perfection right there. I’m jealous.
It’s just so unbelievably unbelievable.
Why?
Because!
She grew up with a shit load of boys and never felt attracted to them?
She never kissed or touched a boy?
She has problems talking to boys but she’s been around them her whole life?
She’s never had a female figure in her life?
She’s never been to a party?
She never wore makeup or a skirt?
And what do you know,
her first week of college,
she does it all and more!
She's got problems with her dad. They don't talk, he's too strict, she reminds him too much of her mother. But it's okay because that's all she's known. I would have thought this would have caused some issues for the girl (like maybe she would be harder, tougher, meaner?) but I guess the biggest issue of all was not having the opportunity to be a slut? Seems that way.
But being around all those boys growing up, she had plenty of opportunities, right? And you would think bring around them that she would know her guys, know how to act around them, know how not to?
But nope. She doesn’t.
What the hell?
It just doesn’t make sense to me.
Yes, I was bothered by her. She was too perfect, the center of attention, and to have a likable character, bad things have to happen to them but as the story progressed I got over all of that. She really grew up and she became someone I wanted to read about. Now, I know she wasn't a slut. That was just me being a tad judgmental at first and I learned with this book, you have to put your judgements aside to enjoy it. So, that's what I did and I loved it.
The beginning. There were all these parties and the boys. I was smiling without realizing it at the conversations. They were so entertaining. Harper's cracks on Chase's Man Slut status, especially. Really fun part of the book. Always drama unfolding and attraction burning up the pages, as to be expected when you fall for two totally hot tatted up guys.
The choice between Brandon and Chase. God! Was that impossible or what? Chase was really unlikable at first. He was too aggressive and man whorish but then he falls for Harper and grows into a man that she would want to be with. Too late. She's with Brandon and he's polite, sweet, amazing. He's patient and just...Gah!
Or maybe not too late?
Now, I am going to talk about 'The scene that should not be mentioned'. I am going to mention it, bud. I know that it's all heartbreaking and hard to handle but that's just life! Things like that happen in life. People die. Horribly sometimes, with out goodbyes, in bad circumstances, it all happens. It's tragic, I know, and it makes you angry at life and God. I praise McAdams for taking a risk and writing that scene because I know that she's getting hell for it.
So, I just want to prepare anyone who wants to read this (as you should! it's amazing!). One of the guys die in a car accident after a really big misunderstanding and fight with Harper. It really is a gut-wrenching, heart-shattering scene. Brace yourself, buckle up that seat belt, and go along for the ride (tissues in hand) but don't give up on the book. Take a chance <--- see what I did there? :D
What you can expect from Taking Chances:
Hot guys. What? I couldn't not put that there!
The sex scenes. OMG. Totally hot but so sweet at the same time. I wanted to tear up every time.
Buttloads of drama. Drama drips off the pages. There is no denying that. Holy mother of angst!
Heartbreak. Oh, the heartbreak!
Tragedy. More heartbreak, my friend. Tears will fall!
Love. Romance. Romance. Romance. It just melts your heart.
Forgiveness. Lots of that.
And much, much more.
Obviously, I now am on the lookout for more of Mrs. McAdam's books. I am a fan.
Great review!! New add to my TBR :)
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