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Opposites Attract #1
Chances Are
When OPPOSITES ATTRACT sparks fly . . .
Free spirit Veronique Delacroix has a reputation for being reckless and for thumbing her nose at society’s rules. But her wild ways mask the vulnerability she keeps hidden. After all, with an impenetrable wall around her heart, how could it be broken?
Brandon Rhodes is New Orleans’ version of royalty, his life steeped in the traditions of high society, Mardi Gras and privilege. His father’s sudden death leaves him in control of his family’s retail empire, but also with a vague restlessness. A sense that something is missing in his life.
Veronique and Brandon’s chance meeting leads to a seductive game of one-upmanship. Their flirtatious sparring seems harmless enough until it becomes a passionate winner-takes-all game in which their hearts are the ultimate prize.
Free spirit Veronique Delacroix has a reputation for being reckless and for thumbing her nose at society’s rules. But her wild ways mask the vulnerability she keeps hidden. After all, with an impenetrable wall around her heart, how could it be broken?
Brandon Rhodes is New Orleans’ version of royalty, his life steeped in the traditions of high society, Mardi Gras and privilege. His father’s sudden death leaves him in control of his family’s retail empire, but also with a vague restlessness. A sense that something is missing in his life.
Veronique and Brandon’s chance meeting leads to a seductive game of one-upmanship. Their flirtatious sparring seems harmless enough until it becomes a passionate winner-takes-all game in which their hearts are the ultimate prize.
Paperback
First published March 1, 1989
32 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Erica Spindler
99 books2,545 followersA New York Times and International bestselling author, Erica Spindler's skill for crafting engrossing plots and compelling characters has earned both critical praise and legions of fans. Her stories have been lauded as “thrill-packed page turners, white- knuckle rides and edge-of-your-seat whodunits.”
Erica loves meeting and interacting with her fans, both in person and online. She has a wicked sense of humor, an optimistic spirit and loves coffee, chocolate and red wine, not necessarily in that order.
In 2002 her novel Bone Cold won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence. A Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, she received a Kiss of Death Award for her novels Forbidden Fruit and Dead Run and was a four-time RITA® Award finalist. In 1999 Publishers Weekly awarded the audio version of her novel Shocking Pink a Listen Up Award, naming it one of the best audio mystery books of 1998.
Erica lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband and two sons.
Erica loves meeting and interacting with her fans, both in person and online. She has a wicked sense of humor, an optimistic spirit and loves coffee, chocolate and red wine, not necessarily in that order.
In 2002 her novel Bone Cold won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence. A Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, she received a Kiss of Death Award for her novels Forbidden Fruit and Dead Run and was a four-time RITA® Award finalist. In 1999 Publishers Weekly awarded the audio version of her novel Shocking Pink a Listen Up Award, naming it one of the best audio mystery books of 1998.
Erica lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 12, 2017
Veronique Delacroix has been raised by a single mother ... she has never met her father and her mother never talks about him. She has grown into a wonderful young woman who doesn't wait for things to happen ... she makes them happen.
Brandon Rhodes is the exact opposite. He's wealthy, cultured, raised to take over the reins of his family's retail store. Now that his father has died, he feels cornered ... suffocated. There is something he's missing .. he just doesn't know what.
Veronique and Brandon have a chance meeting that leads to the best game of one-upmanship that I have ever seen. It's funny, it's sad, it's sexy.
But one secret may destroy it all .....
This is a fast read, with lots of humor. What starts out as a game, turns into something that is to be treasured ... love. The story is well-written. The characters are dynamic .. especially Veronique.
I wish to thank the author / Double Shot Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of CHANCES ARE. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
Brandon Rhodes is the exact opposite. He's wealthy, cultured, raised to take over the reins of his family's retail store. Now that his father has died, he feels cornered ... suffocated. There is something he's missing .. he just doesn't know what.
Veronique and Brandon have a chance meeting that leads to the best game of one-upmanship that I have ever seen. It's funny, it's sad, it's sexy.
But one secret may destroy it all .....
This is a fast read, with lots of humor. What starts out as a game, turns into something that is to be treasured ... love. The story is well-written. The characters are dynamic .. especially Veronique.
I wish to thank the author / Double Shot Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of CHANCES ARE. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
April 3, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. It was everything I needed it to be and just what I was in the mood for. I liked both our hero and heroine. Usually I can take or leave the female lead in a book, probably because I usually see myself as that character. I am all about the hero. But our heroine was plucky, sharp, smart, mouthy, tough, strong. She was her own woman and comfortable in her uniqueness. Our hero was kinda dreamy without being an over the top asshole. Their story had romance, a little mystery, a little push and pull, and just a little angst. It was a perfect blend of all the things I like in a contemporary romance.
April 4, 2017
Two and a half stars.
I thought this was a really 'odd' book and whilst searching for it on GR discovered that it was first released in 1989 under the Silhouette imprint - totally makes sense!
Veronique Delacroix is the illegitimate daughter of one of New Orlean's most prestigious families. Her maternal grandfather appears to loathe her and she never knew anything about her father. People in New Orleans society have looked down on her and her mother all her life. Rather than be crushed by society's censure Veronique has pretended indifference and courted a reputation for being reckless and artistic. She works as a window dresser at the local department store which has become increasingly run down.
Brandon Rhodes has inherited the family retail business on the death of his father. The height of New Orleans' high society he is courted and feted wherever he goes. Brandon and Veronique first meet at his father's funeral wake, where Veronique's unconventional clothing and genuine sympathy strike a chord. Then Brandon discovers that she works for him when he visits the store.
But Brandon discovers that the family business was built on a lie, the business was supposed to be a joint venture between Brandon's father and Veronique's father but Brandon's father tricked him and ran him out of town. Should Brandon tell Veronique? If he does, what will she do?
This book is very much a product of the 1980s. Society balls, Pretty Woman-style shopping expeditions, Dallas-style family feuds and fade-to-grey sex scenes (oh, and no mention of contraception whatsoever).
I think more needed to be done to make this a modern novel than just put a sexy cover on the front, it needs a thorough overhaul.
I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
I thought this was a really 'odd' book and whilst searching for it on GR discovered that it was first released in 1989 under the Silhouette imprint - totally makes sense!
Veronique Delacroix is the illegitimate daughter of one of New Orlean's most prestigious families. Her maternal grandfather appears to loathe her and she never knew anything about her father. People in New Orleans society have looked down on her and her mother all her life. Rather than be crushed by society's censure Veronique has pretended indifference and courted a reputation for being reckless and artistic. She works as a window dresser at the local department store which has become increasingly run down.
Brandon Rhodes has inherited the family retail business on the death of his father. The height of New Orleans' high society he is courted and feted wherever he goes. Brandon and Veronique first meet at his father's funeral wake, where Veronique's unconventional clothing and genuine sympathy strike a chord. Then Brandon discovers that she works for him when he visits the store.
But Brandon discovers that the family business was built on a lie, the business was supposed to be a joint venture between Brandon's father and Veronique's father but Brandon's father tricked him and ran him out of town. Should Brandon tell Veronique? If he does, what will she do?
This book is very much a product of the 1980s. Society balls, Pretty Woman-style shopping expeditions, Dallas-style family feuds and fade-to-grey sex scenes (oh, and no mention of contraception whatsoever).
I think more needed to be done to make this a modern novel than just put a sexy cover on the front, it needs a thorough overhaul.
I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
March 10, 2017
In Erica Spindler's Chances Are, the first installment in the Opposites Attract romance series, this classic and early romance will have you wrapped around your fingers and believing in chances. For Brandon Rhodes, he just buried his father at his funeral. As he owned his father's company, a secret came with it that would change lives. When he met Veronique Delacroix, he became fascinated and smitten with her. She was like an intoxicating addiction when you need to have a fix on it. Veronique never met her father, while she became under scrutinized from her father's hateful stare. She may be a wild woman, but she couldn't stand him one set. When she met Brandon, she couldn't stop herself from wanting him for herself. And when Brandon discovered a shocking family secret, he didn't know what to do about it. After that engagement announcement was written in the papers, they put on a charade to shock New Orleans. But when they began to fall in love with each other, it became real, until the secret was out. She didn't want his money when she needed him to take a chance on her love. In the ending, they had gotten what they ever wanted and where it should be from the start.
August 15, 2017
Erica Spindler is a master at story telling. I have not read one book of hers I did not like. I read Chances Are back in 1997 and loved it.
May 12, 2017
Chances Are is a great read-. It is set in New Orleans & the book is as much as a history lesson on the area as it is a romance/suspense novel.
I thought the characters were unique & real. Veronique is sassy & entertaining & Brandon is pretty close to the ideal man- sexy, manly, & sweet.
I look forward to the next book in the Opposites Attract series (this was the first)
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I thought the characters were unique & real. Veronique is sassy & entertaining & Brandon is pretty close to the ideal man- sexy, manly, & sweet.
I look forward to the next book in the Opposites Attract series (this was the first)
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
October 27, 2025
good book, quite a quick read.
Veronique is a free spirited woman who doesn't care what people think of her. one day she meets Brandon. who is from a different background to her. at 1st it's all fun playing games with him, but gradually she realises she's fallen head over heals in love with him!
but Brandon has discovered a secret that could tear everything apart. he knows he must tell her, but how!
happy ending for them both
Veronique is a free spirited woman who doesn't care what people think of her. one day she meets Brandon. who is from a different background to her. at 1st it's all fun playing games with him, but gradually she realises she's fallen head over heals in love with him!
but Brandon has discovered a secret that could tear everything apart. he knows he must tell her, but how!
happy ending for them both
January 15, 2017
An old romance
As a huge fan of erica...I have decided to read all books by her.
This is a story of true love. Love that was meant to be. To fight for what you want. I was so happy at the end. And I smiled.
On to the next book.
As a huge fan of erica...I have decided to read all books by her.
This is a story of true love. Love that was meant to be. To fight for what you want. I was so happy at the end. And I smiled.
On to the next book.
May 9, 2017
This was a fun, sassy and sexy read. Rich with scenery and society. Like most of our great romantic suspense greats, Spindler got her start with the romance novel.
November 26, 2018
Oh what a book!
Oh what an exciting book. I was engrossed from the first word to the very last cliff hanging word. WOW
Oh what an exciting book. I was engrossed from the first word to the very last cliff hanging word. WOW
January 30, 2019
Overall I enjoyed the book but I felt that it wasn’t as steamy as it could have been. 3.5 stars but I rounded up!
June 2, 2019
Unimpressed! Veronique and Brandon were annoying. Their banter cringeworthy. Although a light and quick read, this book is as cheesy as the cover!
December 25, 2020
3.5 stars
May 8, 2017
3.5 Stars
Brandon Rhodes is New Orleans’ royalty and the new president of a retail empire. He is privileged, but was born into obligations and traditions. Veronique Delacroix is an outcast of New Orleans’ high society, she is an illegitimate child, has never known her father and is considered a disgrace by her haughty family. In theory, Brandon and Veronique are opposites. Brandon has always played by the rules, Veronique is a self-made woman, impertinent and feisty.
Brandon is Veronique’s new boss, but she holds no punches, she is forthright and even blunt at times. Brandon is intrigued and attracted to her. She thrives on adventure and on taking risks. But can she risk her heart? Despite their mutual attraction, she is convinced that they are not meant to be together. Brandon could be using her as a way to escape his stuffy life.
Veronique never had a real family and being with Brandon just feels right. She can’t resist him, he makes her happy. I loved his determination to fight for her, even if it scandalizes New Orleans’ blue bloods. But secrets and deception could destroy their burgeoning relationship.
This story was well-written and a fast read. The characters are engaging and likeable, I definitely rooted for them. The author did a great job of tying up all loose ends and giving me the happily ever after I wanted.
An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.
Brandon Rhodes is New Orleans’ royalty and the new president of a retail empire. He is privileged, but was born into obligations and traditions. Veronique Delacroix is an outcast of New Orleans’ high society, she is an illegitimate child, has never known her father and is considered a disgrace by her haughty family. In theory, Brandon and Veronique are opposites. Brandon has always played by the rules, Veronique is a self-made woman, impertinent and feisty.
Brandon is Veronique’s new boss, but she holds no punches, she is forthright and even blunt at times. Brandon is intrigued and attracted to her. She thrives on adventure and on taking risks. But can she risk her heart? Despite their mutual attraction, she is convinced that they are not meant to be together. Brandon could be using her as a way to escape his stuffy life.
Veronique never had a real family and being with Brandon just feels right. She can’t resist him, he makes her happy. I loved his determination to fight for her, even if it scandalizes New Orleans’ blue bloods. But secrets and deception could destroy their burgeoning relationship.
This story was well-written and a fast read. The characters are engaging and likeable, I definitely rooted for them. The author did a great job of tying up all loose ends and giving me the happily ever after I wanted.
An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.
March 2, 2017
I just loved this book by Erica Spindler, I read it several years ago and have just re-read again and "Wow" it really holds up and I enjoyed it even more than before. It was a wonderful trip back to Louisiana to soak up the history, traditions and romance. This book is the perfect beach or summer vacation story or just an easy/quick read that puts a happy smile on your face. I hope that you will love the story of Brandon & Veronique, two lost souls that find the acceptance and love in quaint & lazy New Orleans. The part that caught my attention the first time I read it was that it opens in a cemetery, what a wonderful way to start a book set in NOLA.
February 13, 2017
Veronique Delacroix was raised by a single mother in New Orleans. She is quirky, independent, self-sufficient, lives life on her own terms and never turns down a challenge.
Brandon Rhodes is just the opposite. He grew up wealthy in New Orleans elite society. He conforms to what society expects of him. Now that his father has passed, he is set to take over his business.
There is instant attraction when these two meet. Brandon is drawn to Veronique’s zest for life and devil may care attitude. Veronique thinks he is a devastatingly handsome challenge and her opposite in every way. She does not like it at all when he bests her not once, but twice! I love the way Brandon pursues Veronique.
There is a lot packed into this short story and nothing feels short changed. A really good, solid, short, humor filled romance. It left me with a smile when I finished.
I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy from NetGalley.
Brandon Rhodes is just the opposite. He grew up wealthy in New Orleans elite society. He conforms to what society expects of him. Now that his father has passed, he is set to take over his business.
There is instant attraction when these two meet. Brandon is drawn to Veronique’s zest for life and devil may care attitude. Veronique thinks he is a devastatingly handsome challenge and her opposite in every way. She does not like it at all when he bests her not once, but twice! I love the way Brandon pursues Veronique.
There is a lot packed into this short story and nothing feels short changed. A really good, solid, short, humor filled romance. It left me with a smile when I finished.
I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy from NetGalley.
February 13, 2017
I am not normally one for romance novels but once I started this book I did not want to stop reading. Erica Spindler always seems to write a story that grabs you from the start and doesn't let go until the very end and this was no different.
Veronique is a woman who has spent her life going after what she wants, Brandon is a man who has spent his life following in his fathers footsteps and is not sure what he wants anymore. So when they meet and the passion is undeniable, it is truly a case of opposites attract. As they play a game similar to cat and mouse, it keeps you on edge as you follow along their story. This book is short, and humorous but full of passion, love and New Orleans culture!
Thank you Netgalley for the digital copy to read and review!
Veronique is a woman who has spent her life going after what she wants, Brandon is a man who has spent his life following in his fathers footsteps and is not sure what he wants anymore. So when they meet and the passion is undeniable, it is truly a case of opposites attract. As they play a game similar to cat and mouse, it keeps you on edge as you follow along their story. This book is short, and humorous but full of passion, love and New Orleans culture!
Thank you Netgalley for the digital copy to read and review!
February 12, 2017
Thank you NetGalley for the copy if Chances Are by Erica Spindler that I read and reviewed.
This book is an earlier book that Spindler wrote that was released again with a new cover. I enjoyed this book. It was a good romance about opposites attracting and being accepted for who you are and not what you have. I enjoyed reading something Erica Spindler wrote earlier in her career and see how much her writing has changed.
If you are looking for a fun fast paced romance book I would suggest this book. Even though it is a bit older you can't tell by the writing so that does not effect the book at all.
Chances Are gets four out of five stars.
This book is an earlier book that Spindler wrote that was released again with a new cover. I enjoyed this book. It was a good romance about opposites attracting and being accepted for who you are and not what you have. I enjoyed reading something Erica Spindler wrote earlier in her career and see how much her writing has changed.
If you are looking for a fun fast paced romance book I would suggest this book. Even though it is a bit older you can't tell by the writing so that does not effect the book at all.
Chances Are gets four out of five stars.
February 14, 2017
Romance is never dead with Erica Spindler
This book was brilliant from start to finish! Veronique raised as the black sheep of the family , a hell raiser and proud. Brandon a recent owner of a wealthy family business both should.never mix yet when they do it's explosive. In this book Erica this book had a slight thriller element that Erica continued in future books. A family secret that could of destroyed brandons and Veroniques love - instead an act of romance brought them together. cannot wait to read more of Erica's romances this had me hooked!
This book was brilliant from start to finish! Veronique raised as the black sheep of the family , a hell raiser and proud. Brandon a recent owner of a wealthy family business both should.never mix yet when they do it's explosive. In this book Erica this book had a slight thriller element that Erica continued in future books. A family secret that could of destroyed brandons and Veroniques love - instead an act of romance brought them together. cannot wait to read more of Erica's romances this had me hooked!
February 22, 2017
Brandon has always lived by everyone's standards and in the shadow of his father. Veronique has always lived by her own rules, mostly to take the attention away from her Mother. Due to her "scandalous" pregnancy, she had been shunned by the New Orleans Society. When Brandon & Veronique meet at an event she challenges him to try to live outside of what is expected of him. But after a night of partying the rumor mill in the Society Page starts and so does this crazy ride.
The banter between them is great and had me laughing, but when Brandon finds some unexpected information about his father that will affect Veronique he doesn't know what to do.
I could not put this book down! The characters were well developed and easy to like or dislike. There were unexpected twists, humor and heartbreak. I will be looking for other books by this author and now following her on Facebook.
The banter between them is great and had me laughing, but when Brandon finds some unexpected information about his father that will affect Veronique he doesn't know what to do.
I could not put this book down! The characters were well developed and easy to like or dislike. There were unexpected twists, humor and heartbreak. I will be looking for other books by this author and now following her on Facebook.
May 12, 2017
I'm a huge fan of Erica's and will read anything she writes! That being said, reading this book that is set in New Orleans made me want to book my flight immediately to NOLA!! Erica has this uncanny ability to write her books and make you feel like you are living right in between the pages! I loved Veronique and Brandon's story and the way they were drawn to each other from the first moment against all odds! NOLA has been added to my bucket list thanks to this book dripping with the history and wonderful little tidbits that were put into this book! Thank you to Erica for giving me the ability to review this ARC for my honest review! Another wonderful story!!
February 14, 2018
If you love stories of how an uptown man meets a downtown woman who may just be a bit too much of a distraction for him and as a woman who never thought she may be able to fall for a man like this, things can get tricky. She has been shunned and has been the talk of the town since birth and can’t get enough of this egotistical and out of her “class” Man is becoming a major dilemma. So the question is. Will he risk everything for her? And will she throw caution to the wind to be with a man she never thought she would? Read it and you will find out. Plus, any book written by, Erica Spindler you CAN’T GO WRONG!
October 4, 2012
Chances Are is def the thinking womans 50 shades. Who knew Erica Spindler did romance? I mean i always had a thing for any of the malone boys but Brandon Rhodes pheww! The chemistry between the 2 main characters is intense from the start. Will they/wont they. Erica Spindler has converted me. Who knew the romance genre was so much fun!
October 22, 2012
This is one of Erica's romance novels from the "early" days - before the suspense bug bit her. I LOVE her suspense books but am impressed that she can write romance just as well. Multi-genre talented! Rich characters, romance that makes you blush and an all around great read. Thanks Erica!
February 19, 2017
Romance hasn't been a genre I've read since I was a young girl, sneaking my mother's Harlequin Romance. Once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop. I was intrigued from the prolouge. Erica can captivate her readers, regardless of the avenue of interest you have. The characters mesmerized me, opposite do attract. The intensity of the romance between them set my heart pulsing. The storyline had me wanting to get in my car. Drive to New Orleans and find my own wild love story. I received my ARC For a honest review. I honestly love this book. Erica is my favorite author and can write in multiple genre, she's very talented. But, to find out for yourself grab a copy, and learn how a ghost make amends for all his wrongs in life. I will defiantly read outside of my genre more often.
March 23, 2017
Veronique hated society gatherings and usually avoided them. But her mother Marie had asked her to come with her so Veronique did and here she was at the Rhodes mansion.The butler opened the door before Veronique even got the chance to knock and Lily St Germaine headed for Veronique and her mother.Lily was a snob and a gossip. Veronique was sure several of the stories circulated about her came from Lily. Veronique was a gambler by nature.Veronique felt there was an advantage to being the black sheep and the biggest was people being so scandalized by her presence and behavior. But by this her mother’s sin was forgotten and she was accepted back in their elite circle and that meant a lot to Marie.They were Marie’s friends , people she had grown up with. Brandon was alone in the billiards room ; his shoulder and neck ached from the tension, his head throbbed from a combination of emotions and he was squinting against the light. There was a hollowness inside him since his father -Blake had died. Blake and Brandon had merely existed in their collected space and now it could never change. Blake had been building a retailing empire- Rhodes. Rhodes was the finest store in the south. Then Veronique said she and Brandon had something in common ( after she ended up in the Billiards room also thinking no one was there) she had not known her father either.Brandon and Veronique were attracted to each other from the beginning. Brandon asked how she managed and Veronique said she did the best she could and she was still dealing and coping. Brandon then realized this was the Veronique he had heard about. Veronique knew she was the only illegitimate child in her mother's circle. Veronique told Brandon he was one who always played by the rules and he asked if she didn’t. Veronique said she had stopped a long time ago and she had no regrets when she gave up rules. Veronique was a window dresser and Brandon was now her boss. She had thought a lot of Brandon over the last week. Brandon then finds out Veronique works for him since he is now the President of Rhodes.But then Brandon finds out the business was built on a lie as the business was suppose to be a joint venture between Brandon’s father and Veronique’s father. But Blake ran Veronique’s father out of town.
I loved this story and really enjoyed reading it. I loved the plot of this story. I liked the way Veronique handled herself and also became very bold and gossiped about because of this and then her mother- Marie indiscretion was forgotten. A lot in this story even though it wasn’t that long but I still loved it. It also made me chuckle which is always good. This is fast paced. I loved the opposites attract a lot also.I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I highly recommend.
I loved this story and really enjoyed reading it. I loved the plot of this story. I liked the way Veronique handled herself and also became very bold and gossiped about because of this and then her mother- Marie indiscretion was forgotten. A lot in this story even though it wasn’t that long but I still loved it. It also made me chuckle which is always good. This is fast paced. I loved the opposites attract a lot also.I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews