📖 Overview
Harper has lived a sheltered life under her Marine father's strict rules. When she leaves for college in San Diego, she experiences freedom for the first time and meets two men who will change her life: Brandon, a Marine like her father, and Chase, her new roommate's brother.
Harper finds herself caught between her growing feelings for both men, while also discovering who she wants to be. Her inexperience with relationships and social situations leads to complicated dynamics as she navigates romance, friendship, and independence.
The story follows Harper's journey through her first year of college as she faces decisions about love, loyalty, and identity. She must confront the consequences of her choices while learning to trust her own judgment rather than living by others' rules.
Taking Chances explores themes of first love, personal growth, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The novel examines how early life experiences shape our approach to relationships and the ways we learn to define ourselves beyond family expectations.
👀 Reviews
Readers call this book emotionally intense but controversial. The rapid pacing and passionate romance scenes keep many unable to put it down, with several reviewers noting they finished it in one sitting.
What readers liked:
- Raw emotional impact
- Chemistry between characters
- Unpredictable plot twists
- Detailed character development
- Military themes and setting
What readers disliked:
- Unrealistic scenarios
- Problematic behavior portrayed as romantic
- Character age gaps
- Repeated love triangle tropes
- Grammar and editing issues
Many readers note the book deals with mature themes and triggers that some may find uncomfortable.
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (111,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.3/5 (1,800+ ratings)
Barnes & Noble: 4.2/5 (300+ ratings)
Sample review: "The emotional rollercoaster had me crying multiple times but the toxic relationship dynamics were hard to ignore." - Goodreads reviewer
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Easy by Tammara Webber A college student finds healing and connection with her self-defense tutor following a traumatic assault.
The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski Two damaged souls meet on a cross-country bus trip that transforms their lives and perspectives on love.
Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens A music student's structured life unravels when she develops feelings for her boyfriend's best friend and band's lead singer.
Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker A young woman rebuilding her life after tragedy encounters a mysterious neighbor who connects to her past.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 "Taking Chances" was Molly McAdams' debut novel and became a New York Times bestseller despite initially being self-published.
📖 The book sparked significant controversy among readers due to its unexpected plot twist involving the death of a major character halfway through the story.
💝 The novel helped pioneer the "love triangle" trend in New Adult fiction, particularly in college-set romances.
🎓 Like her main character Harper, author Molly McAdams attended Texas A&M University, which inspired many of the collegiate settings in her books.
📱 The book gained initial popularity through word-of-mouth on social media platforms, particularly Goodreads and book blogs, before catching traditional publishers' attention.