Chances Are

by Barbara Delinsky

He was a master at the game

Public-relations expert Liz Jerome treated all her clients with professional detachment. But her new client, sexy Donovan Grant, just wasn't having any. Instead he caught her off guard with his subtle come-ons and his humorous teasing.

But being his playmate was not on Liz's agenda. She was determined to block his every move, to resist the sweet confusion he aroused in her. Then he kissed her, and the unexpected fire of his loving crumbled her defenses. Suddenly it wasn't a game anymore....

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Contemporary

Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 1985

About the author

I was born and raised in suburban Boston. My mother’s death, when I was eight, was the defining event of a childhood that was otherwise ordinary. I took piano lessons and flute lessons. I took ballroom dancing lessons. I went to summer camp through my fifteenth year (in Maine, which explains the setting of so many of my stories), then spent my sixteenth summer learning to type and to drive (two skills that have served me better than all of my other high school courses combined). I earned a B.A. in Psychology at Tufts University and an M.A. in Sociology at Boston College. The motivation behind the M.A. was sheer greed. My husband was just starting law school. We needed the money.

Following graduate school, I worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and as a photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. I did the newspaper work after my first son was born. Since I was heavily into taking pictures of him, I worked for the paper to support that habit. Initially, I wrote only in a secondary capacity, to provide copy for the pictures I took. In time, I realized that I was better at writing than photography. I used both skills doing volunteer work for hospital groups, and have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and on the MGH’s Women’s Cancer Advisory Board.

I became an actual writer by fluke. My twins were four when, by chance, I happened on a newspaper article profiling three female writers. Intrigued, I spent three months researching, plotting, and writing my own book - and it sold.

My niche? I write about the emotional crises that we face in our lives. Readers identify with my characters. They know them. They are them. I'm an everyday woman writing about everyday people facing not-so-everyday challenges.

My novels are character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship, and I’ve been blessed in having readers who buy them eagerly enough to put them on the major bestseller lists. One of my latest, Sweet Salt Air, came out in 2013.  Blueprints, my second novel with St. Martin’s Press, became my 22nd New York Times bestselling novel soon after its release in June 2015.  Making Up, my work in progress, will be published in 2018.

2018? Yikes. I didn’t think I’d live that long. I thought I’d die of breast cancer back in the 1900's, like my mom. But I didn’t. I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, had surgery and treatment, and here I am, stronger than ever and loving having authored yet another book, this one the non-fiction Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. First published in 2001, Uplift is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes that I compiled with the help of 350 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. These survivors just ... blew me away! They gave me the book that I wish I’d had way back when I was diagnosed. There is no medical information here, nothing frightening, simply practical advice from friends who’ve had breast cancer. The 10th Anniversary Volume of Uplift is now in print. And the money I’ve made on the book? Every cent has gone to my charitable foundation, which funds an ongoing research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/bdelinsky
Look for my photos on Instagram: instagram.com/barbaradelinsky

Reviews

[Carole · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is so bad I'm embarrassed to admit that I read it - but I'm hoping I'll save someone else from making the same mistake if I review it.
This was a new release in our library and since I generally like Barbara Delinsky I picked it up. But it turned out to be a re-release of a book written in 1985 - and it was awful! The only redeeming thing I can say it that is showed how much we've advanced since this was written. The scenes were appalling by today's standards - NO MEANS NO! This guy kept going no matter how terrified the girl was - and that was considered romantic??? Thank goodness we no longer think that way.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing like her other books I've read. I THINK it was supposed to be a romance, but holy fuck. The man in question was a creepy, rapey, blackmailing asshole.

[Cheesecake · Rating 1 out of 5]

Liz and Donovan. I got most of the way through this to see what Liz's secret was. But I don't know why I bothered. It's creepy, but not what you think. Her brother is an ass and why on earth she pays for him to get therapy but doesn't do so for herself is a stupid mystery. Maybe because it allows her to remain a virgin at 30??? I didn't particularly like Donovan and I didn't feel the chemistry between them. Why does he care??? I just felt like I needed a brain scrub after this one. It wasn't believable, which isn't necessarily a constraint for me in choosing/enjoying a book, but it wasn't actually romantic either.

[Ginger · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it either. It was just okay. Published in the mid 1980’s, so yeah, it’s definitely dated from today’s world. I will say it was a quick read and can easily be read in a weekend or during a long day at the beach.

[Nikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have never felt more disgusted when reading a book. Donovan is not a man that women should be attracted to, nor is he something who deserves love. He takes a girl who has clear psychological problems and puts her in a new dress and all of a sudden she has confidence, because we all know that women as so shallow and single minded that a new dress makes all the difference. On top of that, she is too scared to get her ears pierced, seriously, if he is going to save her from something make it worthwhile. I am usually a fan of Barbara Delinsky but after reading this book I felt dirty and ashamed that a wonderful female writer could create such a helpful and uninformed woman who we as a reader are meant to connect to. This woman was so one dimensional and pathetic that no one could enjoy reading a book this depressing. This book moves the women's movement back 100 years and teaches women that they have nothing to offer but their bodies. Horrible, horrible book and I will question myself before reading another of her books as it has completely turned me off.

[Nidofito · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, this was both good and bad. I liked the story itself and its theme of helping someone with a psychological problem and making them bring it out in the open and try to help with it. However, I did not like how Donovan treated Liz. When a woman says no repeatedly, when she is screaming and shouting and is vehemently refusing your advancements, you stop. You do not force her into kissing you or whatever. And you absolutely do not (!!!) make her undress in front of you when she is quaking like a leaf and wishes she were rather dead than do what you've forced on her . That is not love; that is cruel. Cruel, cruel, cruel! There are always other ways to approach someone. Donovan should be glad he was lucky to have his way work because if it hadn't, I'm afraid Liz would've been completely lost forever.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz Jerome is an expert at public relations. Well, at least in business. When she is hired to do some damage control for a company owned by Donovan Grant, the dividing line between professional and personal suddenly disappears. Donovan catches her off guard with his subtle come-ons and his humorous teasing. But being his playmate isn't on Liz's agenda. She is determined to block his every move, to resist the sweet confusion he arouses in her. Donovan threatens her safe, isolated world...making her want things she can never have.
Some things in life are meant to be shared, others not so much. But when Liz allows her past to make her life unchangeable, its time to make a change. Loved the plot of this story, and loved how Liz is validated in the end. 5 stars.

[Kari Gulbrandsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

beautiful woman believes she is a "dog" because she was abused by her father. Meets dashing executive who immediately falls for her, but she does not believe it and has to be victimized so she can believe it ... and, ok .. I was completely sucked in ...

Best quote (page 210)

Her eyes clouded. "I feel scared. Scared that it's all a fluke, too good to believe. Scared that you'll tire of me in a few days or a week or a month and that you'll see me for what I am."

[Kathleen Voormolen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was appalling! While many have tried to excuse it as being dated, I don't believe that can explain how the behavior was acceptable. In the first meeting, in a business setting, the "hero" is making inappropriate sexual comments in expecting her to be fine when it is clear that she is unhappy with it, making out that she is the one with issues. She does have major issues but it is only later that he takes them seriously. Regardless of that, she shouldn't have to explain why he should treat her with respect. As another review points out, No means No! The whole premise is that she is the character who has to overcome so much and the sweet, sensitive "hero" helps her do this. I think the "hero" had more to overcome. So entitled and arrogant! I finished the book only because I find it hard to leave a book incomplete, but it was a challenge.

[Sharon Eikenberry-Deary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wall flower who was always told by her father and indirectly by her brother. Elizabeth is a PR professional who works in NY for her friend Karen. Karen assigns her to an account of Donovan Grant a form college friend. She is hoping that Elizabeth will come out of her shell with him. She is still work and won't give an inch to him. She knows something is going on because she feels it. Through so many changes she finds more friendship in a different way, letting the past go, unconditional love, and still being able to have her self respect and her professional career . A life she had only dreamed about coming true

[Meagan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I blame this on my mom. She listens to a lot of audio books and we ended up listening to this on a drive to Philly. There was a lot of yelling while listening because the "hero" of the book is a jackass. He thinks that he will be able to get answers and believes that the woman wants to be forced into kissing.

The only reason I finished the book was to annoy my mother and to prove a point to her. Plus I didn't want to start a new book that I wouldn't be able to finish. I doubt very much that I will pick up another book by this author.

[Tbird0123 · Rating 2 out of 5]

slow burn, the reveal was anticlimactic. Main female lead was supposed to be so smart and yet didn't see a third option....just yeah...ok, I'll sleep with you. For her to have core values and family connections and loyalty, she accepted a little too easily. I have read this author before and became extremely invested in the characters, this may have been one of her earlier attempts.

[Elizabeth Bond · Rating 3 out of 5]

avid reader

I love most of Barbara Delinsky’s works, but I had a bit of a problem with this one. It seemed like forever to get to the root of Liz’s problems and insecurities. However it finished up better toward the end of the book. I will continue to lookout for her novels, as I’ve enjoyed many in the past.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book about Liz Jerome doing PR work for her clients and then she meets Donovan Grant who wants her to date her as well and she shies away.

I am glad she stands up for herself with both Donovan and her brother who always takes her for granted and expects her to solve all his problems

[Pam Marcola Duff · Rating 1 out of 5]

Creepy male slimball rapey type of male character. Could not get through it. It’s not even a romance. It’s terrible

[Jumi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like this harlequin throwbacks :)

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Spent about ten minutes on this one. Not for me

[Sharonrose]

DNF. Bleck.

[Virgie menyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its nice😻

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

One of my all time favorites! I'm so glad it is finally available digitally. Thank you so much! Keep up the great work!

[Marshall Waltrip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of her best, should only be 1 star, but usually love her books.

[Regina Fetter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disturbing

[Adele Bloom · Rating 3 out of 5]

very sappy. unbelievable

The girl was like two characters in one; very good in her career but a looser in the maturity department.

[Ренета Кирова · Rating 3 out of 5]

Реших да си почина малко с романтика и прочетох едно арлекинче "Дар на съдбата" от Барбара Делински. Харесвам я като автор. Сюжетът е клиширан, но предизвика някои размисли в мен. Професията на героинята е връзки с обществеността. Тя е наета да спаси бизнеса на един мъж, като представи на медиите определена информация. Книгата е писана 80-те години, което означава, че още от тогава има хора, които обсъждат какво да поднесат на обществото и тласкат хората към определеното от тях мнение. Колко повече сега това е нараснало с увеличаването на източниците на информация. Никога не можеш да бъдеш сигурен къде е истината. Много често се изопачава нещо, за да се предизвика първичната реакция на хората.
Другото, върху което книгата ме наведе на размисли е, че хората взаимно се нараняват, понякога с много трайни последици. По-лошото е, когато човек сам наранява себе си, въпреки предоставените му избори да се измъкне от ситуацията. Трябва да помним, че никога не сме сами и винаги има изход. Трябва да бъдем силни и да се справяме с миналото си, с проблемите си, да продължаваме напред и да променяме живота си към по-добро.

[April Suter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liz considers herself a plain woman and cannot understand why this business associate is flirting with her. Donovan owns many large companies and she is just a public relations representative. Donovan needs her to help dealing with a devastating event in his organic lettuce business. He also finds himself needing Liz for other personal reasons.
A little hot title from the 1980's.
A picture of the twin towers are on the cover.

249 pages

[Jen Peters · Rating 1 out of 5]

Whiny girl meets forceful man. I hate to put it that way cause she has a reason for the way she acts, but it's hard to read. And he crosses the line in so many ways, I just didn't find anything I enjoyed about it but the end when she finally sees her worth.

[Magda · Rating 1 out of 5]

A librarian recommended this author. I don't think I got past page 20. Blech.

[Teresa]

It was good!!

[Dennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no idea why I like this book so much because if a man treated me like the H in this book treated the h I would junk punch him!

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of Barbara Delinsky's books are among my favorites but not this one. I thought it was a new book when I borrowed it but it's one of her old romances.