Monday, February 25, 2013

Taking Chances

Hey everyone! This is my first post on my new blog. I've been reviewing books on Goodreads.com and figured I'd take a shot at blogging my thoughts. I'm 25 and I live in Ohio with my husband. I work as a defense contractor with General Dynamics. I read probably more than I should. I think I could super glue my Nook to one hand and my Kindle to the other and live happily ever after. It's only the end of February and I've already read 79 books. I'm a little crazy. I look forward to discussing books, sharing recipes, and wine tips. My husband, Derek, will be stopping by from time to time as he tries out new recipes.

For my first post, I'm going to review Taking Chances by Molly McAdams. It was one of my favorite books from 2012.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15739018-taking-chances

GoodReads Synopsis:
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.


This book stayed with me for a long time. This was the first book I wrote a review for on GoodReads. I sometimes have problems putting my feelings into words, so a lot of times I just give it a star rating and move on. I finished Taking Chances on September 23 and as of Oct 26 I couldn't get this damn book out of my head. I have no eloquent words or a catchy synopsis, but TRUST ME when I tell you that you need to read this story. I've never felt so off balance when reading before. My heart rate increased with every page turned.

This story will make you laugh, smile, and your heart will soar. You'll also cry, curse, feel the urge to throw things, clutch your pillow tightly, use a whole tissue box, and feel the pain of a broken heart. You'll be pulled in both directions more than once. You'll fall in love with Brandon. You'll recklessly feel passion for Chase. You'll understand Harper's struggles, indecisions, heartache. You'll also feel her moments of happiness and love. And when it's all said and done, this is a story that'll stick with you for a long time.

And if, scratch that, WHEN you read this book, I highly recommend checking out Molly McAdam's playlist after reading. She picked the perfect songs as the soundtrack to this story. (Can you guess what I'm listening to right now?)

So do yourself a favor and check out this book. Just come prepared with tissues, chocolate, and a glass of wine. You're going to need them.