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Not a Chance
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At first glance, he seemed like a straight-laced, never told a lie in his life, good guy. Just goes to show - first impressions can be dead wrong.
Makayla should have listened to her instincts. She never should have accepted a date with him, she never should have continued seeing him, and she definitely shouldn't have started falling for him.
Image credit: Luigi Diamanti
At first glance, he seemed like a straight-laced, never told a lie in his life, good guy. Just goes to show - first impressions can be dead wrong.
Makayla should have listened to her instincts. She never should have accepted a date with him, she never should have continued seeing him, and she definitely shouldn't have started falling for him.
Image credit: Luigi Diamanti
200 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2011
23 people are currently reading
4202 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Stephens
42 books17.1k followersS.C. Stephens is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who enjoys spending every free moment she has creating stories that are packed with emotion and heavy on romance.
Her debut novel, Thoughtless, an angst-filled love triangle charged with insurmountable passion and the unforgettable Kellan Kyle, took the literary world by storm. Amazed and surprised by the response to the release of Thoughtless in 2009, more stories were quick to follow. Stephens has been writing nonstop ever since.
In addition to writing, Stephens enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading fabulous novels, loading up her iPod with writer's block reducing music, heading out to the movies, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She currently resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two equally beautiful children.
Her debut novel, Thoughtless, an angst-filled love triangle charged with insurmountable passion and the unforgettable Kellan Kyle, took the literary world by storm. Amazed and surprised by the response to the release of Thoughtless in 2009, more stories were quick to follow. Stephens has been writing nonstop ever since.
In addition to writing, Stephens enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading fabulous novels, loading up her iPod with writer's block reducing music, heading out to the movies, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She currently resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two equally beautiful children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
April 5, 2012
I can't praise the work of Stephens enough! From someone who has been following her since Thoughtless was first released on fictionpress, I have to say that this book seriously pushes her writing to a new level. It's edgy and sexy, and you'll fall in love with the characters. The female lead has both the confidence and insecurities that every girl can relate to when it comes to guys, and Chance...just damn! He's smoldering, mysterious, and practically delectable. You don't want to skip out on this book!
July 8, 2012
3.5 - 4 stars. I am pleasantly surprised that I couldn't put this book down. I downloaded the book for a later time but once I read the first part, I couldn't stop.
Yes, this is another romance starring a lead man with issues. And yes, we have our leading lady who is actually smart but of course falls for the bad boy. Why is it that bad boys are so attractive? In the course of our story of course the bad boy falls for the girl and gets in over his head. While it is fairly predictable (what book isn't?) events and revelations keep their hold on you. The ending wasn't quite as contrived as it could have been, which makes you wanting for more. So, the author did her job there, making you hope for a sequel. My main criticism would be that the characters acted and felt a lot younger than their early 30s. Their ages were not realistic; they should of been in their 20s.
Overall, I truly enjoyed my time with the con artist and the smart bank teller. This is my 3rd book from S.C. Stephens and I think she's becoming one of my favorite authors.
Yes, this is another romance starring a lead man with issues. And yes, we have our leading lady who is actually smart but of course falls for the bad boy. Why is it that bad boys are so attractive? In the course of our story of course the bad boy falls for the girl and gets in over his head. While it is fairly predictable (what book isn't?) events and revelations keep their hold on you. The ending wasn't quite as contrived as it could have been, which makes you wanting for more. So, the author did her job there, making you hope for a sequel. My main criticism would be that the characters acted and felt a lot younger than their early 30s. Their ages were not realistic; they should of been in their 20s.
Overall, I truly enjoyed my time with the con artist and the smart bank teller. This is my 3rd book from S.C. Stephens and I think she's becoming one of my favorite authors.
May 4, 2012
S.C. now you know I normally love your work buuuuttttt hun this was not the best to me. Makayla was the dumbest person. I guess, I just don't like the heroine to be all gungho about trying to track down the lead man. I just don't and she put herself in the position that she was in by going out with a convict in the first place. So, why all of a sudden she was upset that she got conned. She was the big dummy in the first place. Then my poor Chance all he needed was a break now he had to be looking over his shoulder for the rest of his life because this wanna be bounty hunter is after him now because she got her funky heart broken....boohoo get over it and leave him alone. Now, I'm not saying that what he did was right but dang he told you why he was the way he was and he showed her his true colors from day one. But she fell for the cute butt and a pretty smile. Boooo...okay S.C. I'm not going to beat you up too much because I still loved Thoughtless, Effortless and It's all Relative. They were still good. This one was eh not so much.
July 7, 2012
Badly written. Plot was way too draggy, characters felt stereotypical. Good girl who wants to reform tortured bad boy who lives a life of crime. Fixer-uppers don't really work. Relationships like that just don't work.
Because when the thrill of fixing someone is gone, then the relationship's over.
And Chance just felt way too sappy.
This story is overdone and overcooked. Read this if you want, but you'll prefer Stephens's Thoughtless books.
Because when the thrill of fixing someone is gone, then the relationship's over.
And Chance just felt way too sappy.
This story is overdone and overcooked. Read this if you want, but you'll prefer Stephens's Thoughtless books.
January 18, 2014
i have read many of SC Stephen books and have enjoyed them all but i must say this was the worse book i have read in a long time...mainly due to the "heroine"...can anyone be more dumber than makalya?? she started off fiesty and strong but as the story progressed she turned stupid...she is an unbelievably weak and dumb character...i had a hard time finishing this book but did so because i have enjoyed SC Stephens other stories...i was just disappointed in this story :(
February 12, 2012
Another SC Stephens book that didn't disappoint. I just love this author.
She has the ability to bring characters to life and really immerse you in the story and this book did just that.
Can't wait for the second book because I am dying to know how this will all end up.
She has the ability to bring characters to life and really immerse you in the story and this book did just that.
Can't wait for the second book because I am dying to know how this will all end up.
August 24, 2012
This book is awful. Makayla, the protagonist is so dumb and naive it's frustrating to read. I love S.C. Stephens but this book does not do her justice. Don't read it you'll just put it down and walk away halfway through.
February 2, 2013
I just could not stand any if these characters! They were so unrealistic. It was like sweet valley high trying to act tough. I hated it.
September 3, 2012
Well another fabulous book by Miss Stephens!! I loved my summers in New Hampshire and Plymouth was a second home to me. I truly enjoyed the scenery as it was described. Mikayla works at the main bank in the town of Plymouth with her best friend Neil. Mikayla was just such a good person and that hurt me when she met Chance. I loved her best friend Neil and how they had each others back. Neil was gay and in a sort of secret relationship with Adrian who also lived in Plymouth. Poor Neil had his heart broken too. Neil was in a relationship with a to be discovered con man too. Neil doesn't know why him and Adrian broke up either. A lot of really cute dialogue goes on when a friend Natalie, who also works at the bank is interested in Neil and she doesn't know he is gay. Mikayla is teaching him how to ignore her advances. That was so funny!
The thing about Chance was that his identity and who he was, was never hidden. He told her straight out he was a con artist and he told her she made him want to stop. It was a very suspenseful book and I know Chance was a bad guy, a thief, and a liar but damn I wanted him to get straight! The fact that they really did love each other was so special I hoped he could be redeemed.
The thing about Chance was that his identity and who he was, was never hidden. He told her straight out he was a con artist and he told her she made him want to stop. It was a very suspenseful book and I know Chance was a bad guy, a thief, and a liar but damn I wanted him to get straight! The fact that they really did love each other was so special I hoped he could be redeemed.
August 4, 2012
First...I love S.C. Stephens.
Not A Chance took me over a week to finish. Not that it wasn't a good story — it was just drawn out too long.
I'm not really a fan of beginning a story at the end and backtracking. I prefer the build-up to the end, so my rating reflects my preference of writing style and not the actual story itself.
I was annoyed with Makayla and her naivety. She put herself and Colton at unnecessary risk (constantly). I know...I'm sympathizing with a criminal, but I really believe he wanted to change and she was making it really difficult. One of the things that annoyed me was when she went through his wallet and found the money. Also, who keeps $1500 in their wallet. Okay, there are some people I know who do, but he is a thief. I would think he'd be a little smarter than that.
Anyway, I did finish but I have to admit I skimmed through paragraphs for the last 30 pages.
I have all of S.C.'s books and am working my way through them. Thanks so much for making these available!
Not A Chance took me over a week to finish. Not that it wasn't a good story — it was just drawn out too long.
I'm not really a fan of beginning a story at the end and backtracking. I prefer the build-up to the end, so my rating reflects my preference of writing style and not the actual story itself.
I was annoyed with Makayla and her naivety. She put herself and Colton at unnecessary risk (constantly). I know...I'm sympathizing with a criminal, but I really believe he wanted to change and she was making it really difficult. One of the things that annoyed me was when she went through his wallet and found the money. Also, who keeps $1500 in their wallet. Okay, there are some people I know who do, but he is a thief. I would think he'd be a little smarter than that.
Anyway, I did finish but I have to admit I skimmed through paragraphs for the last 30 pages.
I have all of S.C.'s books and am working my way through them. Thanks so much for making these available!
February 10, 2013
This is quite a frustrating book! I liked the premise of it—guy cons girl for a crime, but ends up falling for her. However, as the story went on, and Chance kept lying to Makayla, it started to piss me off. There was no way he was going to get her to forgive him when she finds out the truth. In the end, that is just what happens. There is no HEA! It ends with a ‘maybe there will be a book two’ feeling, but who knows?
They are supposed to be in their 30’s but they both of them thought and reacted to things made them seem more like 22 yr olds vs. 32 yr olds.
Makayla and her black and white views on the world really started to grate on me. Changing her life to become a bounty hunter to chase Chance around was ridiculous! Carson Kressley—er I mean her best friend Neil , just doing whatever she says was hard to believe as well.
I’m a fan of the author, but this one just isn’t my favorite.
They are supposed to be in their 30’s but they both of them thought and reacted to things made them seem more like 22 yr olds vs. 32 yr olds.
Makayla and her black and white views on the world really started to grate on me. Changing her life to become a bounty hunter to chase Chance around was ridiculous! Carson Kressley—er I mean her best friend Neil , just doing whatever she says was hard to believe as well.
I’m a fan of the author, but this one just isn’t my favorite.
August 19, 2012
Ok , so first off I love SC Stephens. This particular book I just couldn't get into. I'm not going to compare it to Thoughless/Effortless because those are in a league of their own *love them-*. I needed more. More background on Chance, I know he was a con man, but there wasn't much describing his past. Mackayla, all I know about her is she is a wanna be cop, currently bank teller. No dating life. The relationship, if you can call it that, lacked. Sorry but I couldn't get engaged in the story. It was a struggle to finish the book.
February 13, 2012
ok i liked this one, not as amazing as thoughtless and effortless (i guess nothing can beat those two extraordinary stories) but still worth your time. i like the complexities of the two main characters and the reason why i can't put it down is i wanted to find out how these two characters would beat up the odds of their relationship. and what an ending! for sure there would be a second book, if not i'll probably die thinking what might have been....=)
July 30, 2012
What a great book - couldn't stop reading it. I hope to here more from S.C. Stephens in a sequal to find out if she can find Chance again??
May 9, 2017
Not a Chance is my sixth S.C. Stephens novel. As I read through the book, it came to me that S.C. Stephens really writes super long chapters.
Not a Chance is about the somehow star-crossed lovers Chance (Colton Burke) and Makayla. They didn’t meet under random circumstances. Their first encounter was plotted and planned. Makayla worked at a bank which the the group of Chance plans to rob, making Makayla a subject for a con. Chance planned to seduce and manipulate Makayla to help them get away with the robbery but as it turned out, Chance fell out of character and eventually falls for Makayla. Could their relationship stand against all the deceiving and lies Chance fed on Makayla? Well, one thing’s for sure -- it’s a cliffhanger.
It was good. Although if you’d ask me to compare Not a Chance to the books I’ve read from the same author, I’d say Not a Chance doesn’t hold a candle to the Thoughtless trilogy, Collision Course or even It’s all Relative. I really did try to connect with the characters but I don’t know, I can't seem to get into their heads. Probably because it was a third person narrative and I knew what was happening on both ends. I mean I preferred reading her other novels because I only get to see the point of view of one instead of all the major characters involved. I don’t know. I just couldn’t get myself submit to the book.
Not a Chance is about the somehow star-crossed lovers Chance (Colton Burke) and Makayla. They didn’t meet under random circumstances. Their first encounter was plotted and planned. Makayla worked at a bank which the the group of Chance plans to rob, making Makayla a subject for a con. Chance planned to seduce and manipulate Makayla to help them get away with the robbery but as it turned out, Chance fell out of character and eventually falls for Makayla. Could their relationship stand against all the deceiving and lies Chance fed on Makayla? Well, one thing’s for sure -- it’s a cliffhanger.
It was good. Although if you’d ask me to compare Not a Chance to the books I’ve read from the same author, I’d say Not a Chance doesn’t hold a candle to the Thoughtless trilogy, Collision Course or even It’s all Relative. I really did try to connect with the characters but I don’t know, I can't seem to get into their heads. Probably because it was a third person narrative and I knew what was happening on both ends. I mean I preferred reading her other novels because I only get to see the point of view of one instead of all the major characters involved. I don’t know. I just couldn’t get myself submit to the book.
May 7, 2018
Wow I really loved the book ... I loved Makayla’s character ..she is strong and brave and fearless..some people say she is dumb but not she is confident ...and chance I feel sorry for him and what he went through raising by a man tought him to steal and manipulate people and above all discovering the truth that he kidnapped you from your real family and I don’t know really if I want him behind bars or not like what makayla wants to do ....Beautiful book 😍😍😍😍😍😍
August 16, 2012
Read this and other reviews at Madison Sayst
Not A Chance was my most recent S.C. Stephens read - and again, another great storyline with multi-dimensional characters and a pretty intense plot. This book is the perfect example of creating likable characters, even when they are so faulted you most certainly shouldn't be rooting for them.
Chance, a lifetime conman, seduces Makayla in order to get an 'in' at the bank where she works as a teller. As the story unfolds you find all these connections where Chance and Makayla could have so easily crossed paths in the past, but they don't until one night at the movies where he pick pockets her wallet. Like the tough as nails, wanna-be cop that she is, Makayla (along with her best friend, Neil) pursue Chance, only to find him and confront him about the wallet. He plays it off - and eventually she agrees to go on a date with him. Mind you, she does only think he is a petty thief, with a mildly shady history (not that he's really trying to plan some huge bank heist, and use her as the mark). Seems ridiculous, right? It's not. There's so much more to the story, and it's great to see how it all comes about.
The biggest issue with Chance's bank heist plans is that he does the unthinkable in conman world - falls for his mark. Even though Makayla knows spending time with Chance can only lead to heartbreak, she of course wants to make him a better man, and he wants that for her and for him, too. They have a pretty hot little romance. I thought that part of the story was so well-written and honest. The biggest barrier to the reformation of Chance, he's already in deep - deeper than she knows - and he must make a choice to either continue in order to protect her, or have it all blow up in both of their faces. I won't go much more into detail, because I don't want to ruin the entire story, but I will say, that Ms. Stephens does a great job of creating a believable conclusion. While it's still happy, it's more importantly, realistic.
Rumor has it there will be a second book to this series, eventually. I, for one, would love that because there's definitely still room for maybe an even better story for Chance and Makayla, and I can't wait to see where they go next!
I give this book 4 stars and recommend to mature young adult audiences looking for an intense love story, with some passion, and lots of drama!
Not A Chance was my most recent S.C. Stephens read - and again, another great storyline with multi-dimensional characters and a pretty intense plot. This book is the perfect example of creating likable characters, even when they are so faulted you most certainly shouldn't be rooting for them.
"Chance had spent his entire life running from the truth. And now truth would be his downfall."
Chance, a lifetime conman, seduces Makayla in order to get an 'in' at the bank where she works as a teller. As the story unfolds you find all these connections where Chance and Makayla could have so easily crossed paths in the past, but they don't until one night at the movies where he pick pockets her wallet. Like the tough as nails, wanna-be cop that she is, Makayla (along with her best friend, Neil) pursue Chance, only to find him and confront him about the wallet. He plays it off - and eventually she agrees to go on a date with him. Mind you, she does only think he is a petty thief, with a mildly shady history (not that he's really trying to plan some huge bank heist, and use her as the mark). Seems ridiculous, right? It's not. There's so much more to the story, and it's great to see how it all comes about.
The biggest issue with Chance's bank heist plans is that he does the unthinkable in conman world - falls for his mark. Even though Makayla knows spending time with Chance can only lead to heartbreak, she of course wants to make him a better man, and he wants that for her and for him, too. They have a pretty hot little romance. I thought that part of the story was so well-written and honest. The biggest barrier to the reformation of Chance, he's already in deep - deeper than she knows - and he must make a choice to either continue in order to protect her, or have it all blow up in both of their faces. I won't go much more into detail, because I don't want to ruin the entire story, but I will say, that Ms. Stephens does a great job of creating a believable conclusion. While it's still happy, it's more importantly, realistic.
Rumor has it there will be a second book to this series, eventually. I, for one, would love that because there's definitely still room for maybe an even better story for Chance and Makayla, and I can't wait to see where they go next!
I give this book 4 stars and recommend to mature young adult audiences looking for an intense love story, with some passion, and lots of drama!
January 4, 2012
I liked this story. The fact that Chance actually fell for the mark but couldn't come clean with Makayla was maddening. Although, I think that if he did come clean he'd have lost her for sure. Makayla is a very intuitive girl. I loved that she was able to put two and two together (albeit after the fact)and that even though she was spot on, she never knew it for sure. (Smart cookie)I would like to have heard more on Adrian and Neil backstories but its all good. Can't wait to read the next book! I'm picturing Makayla as sort of "pitbull-ish" when it comes to finding Chance but I hope she eases up just a bit. Anyway...good book! :)
January 13, 2012
I really enjoyed the first half of this book (or maybe as much as 75-80%), but then I thought it went downhill during the climax. I really didn't like some of the interactions of the characters after the climax. I felt like they were forced, which is SO different from most of Stephens's writing. It was a real disappointment. It sounds like there's going to be a sequel, which I'll probably read, to see if the characters can redeem themselves. If anyone can turn things around, I trust Stephens can.
June 15, 2012
i Love SC STEPHENS, she really is one of my favorite authors, because she has a knack for expressing love in a realistic way. This book on the other hand, was not realistic and it was a bit annoying at times, the ending was too cliche an i felt like tearing my eyes out *SPOILER ALERT* Who the hell becomes a bounty hunter to chase after a man they love, for the name of "justice", it was just tooo much. Too annoying, Too cliche...and just too much! BUT I LOVE SC STEPHENS she just didnt do it for me on this one
October 17, 2012
Was Makayla really that stupid? How could she fall for all that Chance were to bring her? I don't get it. I really enjoyed the story. I loved how she believed in the good but at the same time her hunger for justice got a bit annoying. I understand that the fact why she fell for Colton so soon also had to deal with the fact that she was "neglected" (as the author put it). But come one sweetheart!!!! Lol.
SPOILER!!!
Bounty hunter?! Really!? To chase Chance!? WTH? Too much for me. First story I don't skim through. I REALLY liked it. Bounty Hunter?! Hahahahahaha!!!!!
SPOILER!!!
Bounty hunter?! Really!? To chase Chance!? WTH? Too much for me. First story I don't skim through. I REALLY liked it. Bounty Hunter?! Hahahahahaha!!!!!
August 28, 2012
I would give this book 2 1/2 stars. I love some of her other books so I thought I would give this a try. I was a little disappointed. I liked it but it seemed drawn out and I'm all about the happy endings. It would have been nice for an epilog where she finds him and they live happily ever after somehow. I was also a little surprised with the whole bounty hunter thing - not a bad twist but it seems a little too Stephanie Plum for me. All in all not a bad read by any means. I still love you S.C. Stephens!
September 8, 2012
Has it's moments, but for the most part the lead female is flakey and I am unable to believe she could ever be a cop, push-ups or no push-ups. There's one scene where she tells a female police officer that "I'm going to work here" and the officer responds that they need more strong women on the force or something along those lines... I couldn't help but imagine that officer was actually thinking of the title of this book. Which also applies to whether I will read the next book in this series.
That all said, got the book free off feedbooks, so for a free book I guess it was worth the money.
That all said, got the book free off feedbooks, so for a free book I guess it was worth the money.
March 6, 2012
Wow, I was surprised this book was free. I was hooked after the Prologue, and couldn't put it down the rest of the way. Once I thought I knew what was going to happen, there was a change in plans. I was getting nervous at the end but I'm not disappointed at all. I hope there's more to read about Makayla and Chance (and even Neil and Adrian)! I'm really impressed with this author and looking forward to reading her other books!
July 6, 2012
It was ok. Bad Boy + good girl; can she convince him to change. Will he do it for love? And of course the other bad guys (the really bad ones) ruin it by complicating the matter. But then again, what would a book be without conflict? I would have liked to have learned a bit more about Adrian and what went down with him. It will be interesting to see what the next book holds. Hopefully the chase is a bit more exciting.
August 30, 2012
Not one of my favorites. The main character irritated me. "There's always a choice!" I thought it was unrealistic that she wanted him to turn himself in and spend the next 20 years in jail. He was trying to save her life!!!! I felt like she couldn't possible love him if because of this. She didn't understand his side of the story and she did the dumbest things throughout the book. Makayla was just so annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2011
The prologue of this book grabbed my attention and I knew I would really enjoy this book. This book kept my attention the entire time. What girl doesn't want to change a bad boy into a great man???? And I love how the book ended...making me want more and waiting for a equal! Makayla the bountyhunter!!!! hell yeah!
February 6, 2012
An interesting twist on trust in a relationship. Another great read from this author although a bit different from the others. what is fun in this one is that the prologue is set around the ending of the story and you spend the first half of the book reading how they got there. Plus the ending leaves a lot of possibilities for sequels. Definitely recommend.
January 19, 2016
3.5 stars. There were times the book was extremely intriguing, but times where I felt it was hard to read through. Unnecessary information and insight into the characters' feelings. A good read overall, but not a huge fan of the cliffhanger ending. I'm going to assume that it's going to be made into a possible series?
July 1, 2012
I loved this book, I loved the story line and the addictable characters.
One quote that grabbed me:
"You don't think you're hurting anybody, but you are. If you take something that's not yours, no matter how small, It affects...someone. You hurt....someone" - Makayla
I would defo recommend.
One quote that grabbed me:
"You don't think you're hurting anybody, but you are. If you take something that's not yours, no matter how small, It affects...someone. You hurt....someone" - Makayla
I would defo recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews