Taking Chances

by Loni Flowers

Turning her back on a life she can no longer deal with, Clair Davidson has been on the streets for six months wandering aimlessly from town to town. But when a hitchhiked car ride lands her back in a familiar town, and a terrifying encounter puts her in the arms of someone too good to be true, Clair almost starts to feel like she could belong somewhere again. Almost.

Alexander Frazier knew what it felt like to live on the streets, up until he received a helping hand from a stranger. After saving Clair from a vicious attack, it’s not long before he realizes she’s a lot like he used to be—lost. Alex soon learns he will risk everything to keep her safe and get her life back on track… even if it means his heart.

But fresh starts are new to Clair and not something she’s certain she’s ready for. Clair’s had her share of people walking out of her life and she doesn’t trust her heart in Alex’s hands. Can his love give her the second chance she never saw coming?

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

382 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2012

About the author

I live in Eastern North Carolina. Besides my family, reading and writing are my passions. Contemporary romance is my writing genre of choice, but I'm not opposed to writing something different should an excellent idea strike.

Some of my favorite authors include: L.J. Kentowski, Stefne Miller, Cassandra Clare, J.K. Rowling, Karen Marie Moning, and Nicholas Sparks... just to name a few.

Published in 2012, Taking Chances was my debut novel.

Reviews

[Tana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking Chances by Loni Flowers

I really enjoyed Loni Flowers writing, Taking Chances is her debut novel; Loni’s writing is good, the story was easy to follow, character descriptions were great. This is a good romance novel and I have to say the author’s writing makes you feel for both of the two main characters. It’s one of those books you cheer for Alex and Clair hoping it all ends with a Happy Ever After ending.

Alex and Clair meet under some disturbing circumstances, and Alex bring home Clair and invites her stay till she can find a safe place to live. Clair has been living on the streets moving from town to town. Alex also came from the same kind of background but someone gave him a chance and now he is doing well for himself. Knowing how hard life can be Alex offers to help but of course being independent and not wanting to trust or owe anyone Clair leaves. When offered a job and a place to stay Clair decides to hang out for awhile.

This is a romance novel of two people who grew up in similar situations both having to depend on themselves and deep down not trusting anyone. This novel is about two young adults learning to trust, deal with some difficult issues and learning to love again.

I really enjoyed this novel, and I have to say Loni Flowers has done a terrific job writing her debut novel. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoy romance and loves to read a good story. I have rated it a 4 out of 5 and would say go purchase Taking Chances now!

DISCLOSURE – Please place somewhere in the post for all reviews!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love the time I spent reading about Alex and Clair. Their story was a contemporary romance that had the charm of a young adult book but the feel and content of a more grown up story. There are some sexy times since they are in their early 20’s but they are well written and sweet, not too graphic.

Clair is a brave girl who is living on the streets and moving from place to place. When she gets to Springhill, she intends to just pass through but something unpleasant happens to keep her there long enough to meet a few people who truly want to help her. I was heartbroken for Clair, she really had some hard knocks in her life and that made me root for her to have a happily ever after even more. Alex is a guy that was in a bad place in the past but now has his life pretty much together. . He has a good job and people that care about him. I think he is the perfect match for Clair, someone who can understand her but is also in a position to help her.

Just because they are perfect for each other does not mean it is smooth sailing though. They both have some important issues to deal with in the story. I also loved that this story did not feel generic, I was constantly surprised by the things that happened. I found myself shocked several times and that is what I love about reading!

BOTTOM LINE: Interesting characters and a unique story, I really enjoyed it!

* I do know the author from twitter but I have never met her I real life. I accepted the book for review because I think she is fabulous but I am praising the book because IT is fabulous!

[Caitlin Audet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking Chances was such an enjoyable read and I am so very happy for having come across this title. Thank you Amazon lol. This story starts with Clair's POV, the girl who left home after her mother completely checked out and has been on the streets for years. She ends up in the one place she shouldn't but ends up being the only place she should be in. Here we meet Alex(the second POV) and it didn't take long to meet him which I appreciate. He and Clair have an immediate connection but both are wary for different reasons. No that doesn't mean insta love so readers who aren't fond of that will be very happy. I loved taking this journey with Clair and Alex. We learn a lot about both of them and what they have gone through to get to this point in their lives. I felt every emotion the characters felt and even cried during a scene. This book will tug on your heart and also compel you to keep reading til you hit the last page. Definitely an amazing read.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a precious story! I loved every minute I spent with the characters, their journey, and the chances they took. It made me laugh and it made me cry, several times. Loni Flowers did a remarkable job on this debut novel and I look forward to reading more from her in the future!

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It isn’t easy to take another chance on love for two people who have a ton of emotional baggage to haul around. Taking Chances by Loni Flowers follows the heart-warming story of Clair and Alex as they meet under the most awful of circumstances at a time in their lives when the last thing they are willing to believe in is love. For Clair, lost in her own anguish, escaping from her past, if something or someone is too good to be true, as Alex is, there must be a downside that is going to further shred her heart. Alex sees something in Clair that he wants, but can he convince her that he means her no harm? Will Clair overcome her fears or will she push Alex away?

Loni Flowers has created three endearing characters in her contemporary romance, Clair, Alex, and their own personal ‘Fairy Godmother,’ Roz. Trust me, you are going to love that big-hearted woman! Ms. Flowers writes with a smooth flowing style full of emotional 'hooks' and believable twists that make her characters come alive.

Are you looking for a romance that will leave you with a smile? One that’s not too heavy, not to dramatic, but with just enough tension to pull you in and hold you through the end? Taking Chances would be a great choice for that escape into the world of all things romance.


Publication Date: January 14, 2012
Publisher: Loni Flowers
ISBN: 146818458X
Number of Pages: 323
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Adults
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Available from: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember all those wonderful Hallmark movies . . . the kind that make you want to curl up with a bowl of popcorn and settle in for a good tale? You know there’s going to conflict, emotional ups and downs, tears (some of them your own) but, in the end, you expect to walk away with a warm, glowing feeling. Well, Taking Chances is the equivalent of a Hallmark movie.

Clair is running away from her past when she happens into a small town and encounters Alex, who is carting around emotional baggage of his own. He comes to her aid (the man is a knight in shining armor!) when he saves her from some thugs. Though she’s not immediately smitten, unwilling to trust enough that someone could care about her, it lays the foundation for a sweet and sensual romance. There are several underlying plot threads and two highly likable secondary characters, with everything tying together neatly at the end. After doing my fair share of sniffling, I walked away with a warm fuzzy feeling that only a heart-tugging book can invoke. Get some popcorn, have the Kleenex handy and settle in to enjoy. This was a pleasure!

[Pasha Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever thought to yourself ‘Can I or should I’? We examine life with these questions everyday in different situations that alter our lives in the present and the future. Taking Chances battles this ubiquitous question throughout the entire novel. Clair having seen hard times since her father left abruptly leaving her with a mother drowning in depression. After wondering from town to town she meets Alex also battling with his past. This book follows two characters as they battle through new feelings, emotions and decisions to explore. As each page turned the book excelled as the characters adjusted to each other and those around them. There are ups and downs with pieces of surprise both intriguing and somber. There are times of sentiment for tears, laughing, grief and joyous smiles. Loni took an idea and transformed it into this heartfelt novel that will leave you with heat running through your veins and rethinking life’s possibilities.

[Cami Hensley · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://myaddictionisreading.blogspot....

I haven't read many books about homeless people or the situations that put them there. This is the heartbreaking yet heartwarming story of two people who both have many demons in their past. You would think a relationship between these two is impossible, I mean, 2 wrongs don't make a right... but their chemistry and love is undeniable from the start.

From chapter to chapter I fell more deeply into this story. Clair is such a loveable character. You just want to give her a big hug, thank the Lord Alex was there at just the right moment every time. I found it amazing how much of a knight in shining armor he really was for her. He had such PURE feelings for her and is really just a stand up guy!

I loved the revelations in this story! I seem to always gravitate towards characters with issues and I love when they come to terms with their lives and their pasts. I just really enjoyed this story!

[Stefne Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sucked into this book from the very first chapter and read it all the way through in one sitting.

The characters grip your heart and you can't help but hope that they will get their happy ending.

[Phowpence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I suck giving reviews but I so love this book. I swear I read the book in just one sitting. Once you got hold of this book, it will be hard to put it down. I totally adore Alex. *dreamy sigh* It totally deserved a FIVE STAR rating. :)

[Misty Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of all the trials and tribulations that life can throw at you love is one of the most difficult. It can make you, break you, confine you or define you. It’s what we all search for, and most certainly what we all need. Whether it be the selfless love of your parents, or the understanding love of a best-friend; it remains the most challenging of circumstances to accept, and more importantly the hardest to let go of.

A few years ago I had a bit of a hiccup in the love department. This hiccup (and by hiccup I mean nuclear bomb) included every member of my family (mom, dad, hubs, brother… etc.) I had lost faith in them, and even sadder, I no longer trusted them. Then one day, while looking through a few of my old journals (yes..I’m that girl.) I ran across a quote I had written down the last time love had stabbed me in the back.

“Love me without fear. Trust me without questioning. Need me without demanding. Want me without restrictions. Accept me without change. Desire me without inhibitions.” – Dick Sutphen

Finding this (and re-reading it a hundred or so times) helped me to understand something. If you want love, you can’t be afraid of love. A pretty important message (if I do say so myself,) AND one that Loni Flowers explores in her contemporary romance “Taking Chances.”

“At age twenty-three, Alex has had a hard life. His parents died when he was quite young, leaving his grandparents to raise him. Right before his high school graduation, his grandparents passed on too, leaving him all alone. After losing everyone he’s ever loved, Alex turns to the streets in a self-destructive pattern until he finally ends up in Springhill, where he tries to make a new life for himself.

Clair’s childhood was normal until age thirteen, when her father left the family and she never heard from him again. Consequently, her mother went into a deep depression, forcing Clair to grow up quickly. After finishing high school, Clair’s heartache over her father’s absence as well as her unbearable mother drive her to strike out on her own. But having nowhere to go and no family to speak of, Clair wanders aimlessly from town to town, homeless, and without purpose. Looking for work wherever she goes and living hand to mouth on the streets is tough, Clair discovers, but living with her mother is worse.

Now twenty-one years old, Clair has found her way to the last place she and her family took their final vacation as a family–Springhill. While in town, she crosses paths with Alex and their ensuing relationship grows faster than expected. Soon Clair wonders if coming back to Springhill and meeting Alex was the best decision or the worst decision she ever made.”

For those of you out there (in the land of the literary Gods) that tend to lean towards Contemporary Romance (ala Roberts, Garwood, Wiggs) as your genre of preference you probably know (better than most) that romance novels often follow a formula.

Guy meets girl/they want each-other/they don’t want each-other/mayhem issues/the need each-other….yada yada. The end.

This formula is a good one. It’s worked for YEARS (without fail) and I’ll be damned if I stand in it’s way. (I happen to enjoy the predictability of it…I’m assured a happy ending.) BUT, sometimes it’s important for authors to shake it up.

“Taking Chances” is a very formulaic book, and for 90% of the readers that will purchase this novel, that is going to be just fine by them. Me? I was a little disappointed. (cue dramatic music.) Flowers is clearly a writer. And because I saw her spark shimmering right below the surface of the first several chapters of this novel I expected more from her. (Not fair, I know. Boo me.) I expected her to write outside of the box. To dig deeper than she did and splay her characters out for the whole world to see. Open those wounds up baby and let your characters bleed! But instead she bottled Alex and Clair up and only allowed them to express emotion through tears and hand gestures. I understood the characters, (there’s no doubt about that) and in some parts their interactions were expertly written, (for example all of those lovely “sexy time” scenes) but the intensity I felt radiating from the characters (specifically from Clair) in the beginning of the book (as Alex was “saving her”) felt almost like and supernatural entity for the remainder of the book.

Clair didn’t want to “take a chance” on love. She had her reasons, I respect them, hell…I even understood them. But after a few smoldering glances and 1 heavy petting session she cast her misgivings aside and says “let me have it?” This is where I think Flowers faltered. Clair’s emotions were very high-strung in the opening of this novel, and she should have kept them that way for a tad longer to increase the intensity the reader would feel once Alex finally “convinced” Clair that he wasn’t just in it for the booty. (wow…that was very un-eloquently said.) In short…there needed to be a tad more push and pull for the the “mini mine fields” to have more of an impact later in the story.

So what about the “story?”

It was fine. It wasn’t anything I’d phone home about, but it was a quick read that kept me entertained (in spite of my unreasonable expectations) and would make a very nice beach read for those of you gearing up for a summer in the sun.

Could it have been better? Yes…I think Flowers has a lot more to her than she let us see this time. That said…I look forward to seeing what she puts out in the future.

A solid start for a new author. A cheap (not cheesy) read for romance fans, and it taught an important lesson. I guess it’s what you would call average, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember:

“There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.” – Sarah Dessen

[A.R. Von · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional, intense, romantic and gripping story that had my laughing, crying and holding onto my seat in suspense many times over. Even those who are not into contemporary romance will enjoy this wonderfully written story.

You never know until you try! When two people with struggling pasts come together and the attraction is undeniable, and also unwanted. What else could you do, but take a chance at what could be?

Clair is an amazingly strong independent woman, a woman that was forced to grow up at a young age. After her father left when she was just 13 everything at home went to hell in a hand basket. Having no choice but to become independent, she left her home, learned how to survive and traveled from town to town. When she gets into a very scary situation in Springhill and is saved by a very kind, warm hearted man named Alex things start to look up (or do they?)

Alex is also an independent and strong willed person who has had a hard life. He lost his parents at a young age, then his only family left (which were his grandparents). Alone and confused he is in self-destruct mode until he arrives in Springhill and meets some caring people that help him to get on the right path. Then he meets Clair and all he can think about is her and how he’s willing to take a chance.

Together Alex and Clair take a romantic journey and take the chance on one another. Both fear being hurt, left or mistreated. But they gradually learn that fate was on their side as soon as they decided the chance was worth taking.

I loved all of the characters. They each held such an amazingly realistic individuality and each one added a perfect touch to the feel of the story. My ultimate favorite was Roz. She loved to meddle and her meddling always seems to pay off :)

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking Chances is about two people with troubled pasts that find each other when Alex rescues Clair from and attempted raping. They fall for each fast, and quickly enter into a hot relationship. There isn't a LOT of drama, mostly just them figuring out their relationship as it progresses, but there are a couple of situations in the book where they have heated arguments, which for me was about all the drama the book had. Alex's past is terrible, and I really felt for him. But he told Clair everything pretty much early on in their relationship. This is very rare in these types of novels, but very refreshing. Clair's past, at least her dating past, was not nearly as emotional and terrible as Alex's. I think she did a lot of pushing away for not very good reasons, so it was hard to feel for her. Alex had more reason to distrust her and her intentions that she should have of him.

This was an easy read, and very enjoyable. Good love scenes, and Alex is just wonderful. I liked Clair throughout the book, except for the last 20 pages. She ends up deciding for Alex what is best for him and fails to disclose important information, even though he has never indicated anything but love and wanting to be with Clair. Her pushing him away and not telling him really got on my nerves. But of course, Alex is so forgiving and sweet, there is of course a HEA.

[Katrina Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who has ever been to my blog knows I do not read very many contemporary novels. It has to really grab my attention. I'm so happy I had the opportunity to read Taking Chances. It was a great read, and hard to put down.

Clair and Alex have had a few bad things happen to them. Clair finds it hard to trust people and believes all guys are the same. They lie, use her, then bail. Even worse, she feels abandoned after her father left their family when she was 13. Alex has had his heart broken in the most terrible way, but can't stop thinking about Clair.

I loved these characters. They are stubborn, but their individual weaknesses is what made me fall for them.. I haven't gone through the same things as Clair per say, bu some I have. I can remember being confused and wondering what the hell I was going to do. It's a pretty scary time, especially at 21. It was also nice to see a confident male character that has a vulnerable side. While things moved quickly they weren't instantly in love upon first meeting. They both had insecurities to work through.

It didn't take me long to finish Taking Chances. There is romance, heart break, love, loss, and a little twist thrown in. I was in tears off and on while reading, going through their joy and pain.

[Autumn Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like reading stories about people who've had a tough life, but can find happiness and love. That's what appealed to me the most about this book. It was a great story about finding love.

My heart hurt for Clair. I wasn't really sure why she was on the streets at the beginning, but it made me scared for her. She's a sweet girl, but a bit vulnerable too. You can tell that she's been damaged in some way. When she meets Alex, her luck begins to change.

Alex understands what Clair is going through. He's been there himself. He immediately takes her under his wing. He wants to protect her and help her in any way he can. I think he felt like because he had help, support, and unconditional love shown to him, he wanted to pass that on. I don't think either one of them was expecting to fall in love.

There were a few parts of the story that I felt were incomplete. However, it held my interest and I really wanted to see these two make it in the end. Because of the mature content and some difficult scenes, I would recommend this book to a reader over 18.

[Steph at Starry Night Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m more of a paranormal book reader 90% of the time but WOW I loved this book I started this book in the morning and I finished the same night all 367 pages. I could not bring myself to put this book down. What a beautiful story, heartfelt and real, you can really picture yourself right there with the characters and feel what they feel. I laughed and cried a few times, the things Clair & Alex have been though and how strong they are and willing to make things better amazes me. Also their strength to learn to trust and love again and the way they care for one another and the women who saved them both in ways you can’t imagine. I really can’t say enough good things about Taking Chances Loni did one hell of a job writing this book. I highly recommend this book if you are a romance fan!

[Peach · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a good romantic read about Alex and Clair who either lost or was estranged from their immediate family and found a surrogate family in the town of Springhill. Alex and Clair crossed paths when he rescued her from being attacked by a couple of guys. From that point on, they began a relationship and their compatibility was driven by similar life experiences of wandering from town to town without any stability. Curveballs were thrown into their relationship and the path to figuring things out was imbued with heartbreak.

[Heather Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me smile, laugh and cry all at the same time. It was so well written and I loved the characters from the beginning. The perfect feel good story! I'm not usually one for contemporary romance, but Loni did an excellent job. I read this story from start to finish in one afternoon, I just couldn't put it down! I wouldn't recommend this for teens, do to some sex scenes but they weren't overly descriptive and were modestly written. So I would say it's more appropriate for an 18+ reader.

[M.L. Falconer · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you find a way to pull all the shattered pieces of your life back together, sometimes love is the only force strong enough to hold them in place.

In Taking Chances, Loni Flowers shows us that we can learn to accept our mistakes and heal our regrets with forgiveness and love, and that true love can find us, sometimes, at the worst of times … when we need it the most.

A warm read with steamy love scenes and a wonderful twist in the end.

I look forward to Loni's next novel.

[Traci Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read. Little emotional at some points. Alex is a perfect kind of guy with a sad past. Clair was sweet with emotional past. They were perfect for each other. Loved Roz how she was a caring person. How she helped in the end. Definitely worth a read...

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it! Full review to come.

[Cortney G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so did not want this book to end....I wanted more on clair and alex!!! still do

[Eatonlm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taking Chances had some great moments and some so/so moments. Our lead characters have dark backgrounds that bring them together and ultimately bond them to each other. They understand one another in a way no other person could. Great start.

Our hero really is a hero. He saves Clair in the beginning and indirectly continues to save her throughout the story. Clair is a mess. She struggles to get her life back together. The only part of her story I had trouble with is the way she ended up homeless. I had a very difficult time connecting with her to believe the rational that lead to her chaotic life.

While the story flows along smoothly and really is a beautiful story it was hard to get attached to the characters. The only thing I can come up with to fault for that is the POV in which it's written from. There really isn't one. The chapters are labeled Clair or Alex. One would think they are getting the story from that characters POV, and you kind of do, but mostly it's a narrator that doesn't exist telling you what's happening and what the characters are feeling. It was weird. Had this whole story actually been told from the characters POV's I could give it a higher rating, but the disconnect I felt from the characters emotions dragged down the story.

I adored the characters. I adored the actual story line. I just really wish there was more of connection to the characters feelings to bring it all together. Overall it's a good read it's just lacking that little something that could make it great.

[Sydney Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book??
Hmm...its an interesting story, intriguing and gives tension at the first chapter which grabs my attention.
And sweet at the same time.
At the beginning of the story at first I was wondering.
what are the ages of the characters in this story? I can't help it because the way the characters acted and talked they look like a teenagers. Like Stu and Roz for example, I thought they are somewhat 20+ something, but then they are much older than that.
Same thing with Alex and Clair they looked like 19 or 20. But nope, I was wrong
At first, I just ignored their ages but then when I was almost at the end I suddenly realized.

whoa~! They are much older than I thought.

Going back, I love the flow of the story. Yes, it made me cry. As always, family matters always made cry.
Climax, its somehow quite fast but it can easy grab an attention of the readers, especially THE COINCIDENCE with Clair.
I didn't expect it. Its one of the things that made this book interesting.

So full 5 stars for this book. Nice story :)

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this as a part of the goodreads giveaways. This book was kinda stop and go for me. I loved the characters and the plot line, however I wasn't completely satisfied with the way she wrote it. (or maybe I'm just weird). Taking Chances was a good romance book, one that you could just curl up and enjoy.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute read!!! I was glad that i downloaded it from amazon and it helped that it was free! Cant complain then! I really like that in the end it was something that was easily fixable and it was a HEA kind of ending. I wish they would have done more about the wedding and maybe about the babies but it was a good read.

[Jo Notary]

384pgs, contemporary, his parents died when he was young, and his grandparents raised him. they died near his graduation, so he was on his own. She had a normal upbringing, until her dad left when she was 18. It was too hard staying with her mom, so she went to the last place they went on vacation. The two meet, and fall in love quickly. Is this the best or worst thing to happen?

[Paula Genereau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clair walked away from a life she knew & was living on the streets. One night a stranger saved her life & everyday after that Alex tried talking to her. They finally start seeing each other. I loved Alex in this book. He was so swoon worthy

[Joie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

looks and sounds wonderful!!!