A Fighting Chance

Chances Are #3

by C.D. Taylor

Sequel to Stay With Me: Tyler Bradford never drempt that he would be injured in the line of duty for the Marine Corp, but when that happens he is shipped back to his home state of Texas. Upon arrival he is faced with the facts that things are not the way they used to be. He crosses paths with a sexy stranger,and sparks fly. Can they find peace in each others arms before she goes home to Chicago?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Adult, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, M F Romance

ebook

First published February 25, 2013

About the author

C.D. Taylor began writing as an item to check off her bucket list. She resides in the southernmost part of Illinois, right on the mighty Mississippi river. She enjoys the quiet country life with her husband, son and the many farm animals that make up the rest of the family. C.D. decided that farm life was just a little too mundane, so she started writing erotica to spice things up, so far so good. C.D. entered cosmetology school right out of High School and practiced the art of hair styling for 12 years. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found sitting around a table making people laugh. She has always wanted to be a standup comic. She loves pulling practical jokes, dresses up in a costume every Halloween and believes that dancing is the key to a happy life (even if you aren’t a good dancer). She believes that life shouldn’t be taken too seriously, we will never get out alive anyway. More than anything, C.D. is a kid at heart, she doesn’t believe in bedtimes, eating everything on her plate, or having ice cream only for dessert. Her favorite quote is by Dr. Seuss…”Why fit in, when you were born to stand out.”

Reviews

[A H · Rating 1 out of 5]

Received an eARC of this book from Pam on GoodReads.

Title : A Fighting Chance

Author : C.D. Taylor

Publication : 27th October, 2015

What seemed like a promising read turned out to be a major disappointment. The moment I read the words 'military romance' associated with the book, I became excited and asked for an ARC, so that I could review it. However, this book turned out to be another generic example of a trope which has become too over-used over the past few years and has sadly lost its glamour. And oh, by the way, it's not military romance. Portraying the male lead as an ex-Marines officer does not magically turn the book into military romance.

Story

Tyler Bradford, after being injured in the line of duty for the Marine Corp, returns home (Texas) to his sister and her husband's home. However, on the way, he picks up Tiffany who is returning to Texas to get over some unfinished business. Sparks fly. They have sex. Problems arise. It gets sorted out in the end. Happily ever after. Believe me, the book is drier than my writing.

I'm so done with..

Sob stories. The traumatic event/s which occurred in the girl's childhood due to which she's broken and grown up with walls around her heart. Honestly, not every true love story has to have an ailing, broken female and a tough handsome male to heal her wounds. No. Stop resorting to the same trope, authors. It's highly irritating how more and more authors think that portraying at least one of the characters with a horrifying past is going to attract more readers whereas all it does (at least to me) is make me sigh and think, "there we go again". Sympathy is different, over-doing it is different. You bring in just a divorce, we'll sympathize. But you bring in a abusive father, insensitive mother, cheating fiance and all sorts of other nonsense - you're largely over-doing it. Sympathy is NOT the only way to make readers love your characters.

I'm so done with..

Casual sex turning into love without any proper portrayal of the process. I know it happens. Two people having 'just sex' can fall in love. But there has to be proper reasons, a proper process, a proper setting. It can't happen just like that. Like, one day they're busy having sex and the next day poof! They fall in love (?!) Bringing in sex may attract readers but this book is definitely not a love story or a 'romance'.

Things I don't really feel like commenting on because I know it'll turn into a rant..

The writing is nothing special. It's okayish material, barely touches you, but on the brighter side, doesn't really put you off either. Characterization was probably, comparatively, the best aspect of the book. The past lives of the characters and the impact of past events on the present life is portrayed well enough.

Overall..

I say, you can safely give this book a miss. There is nothing out-of-the-world in the book, nothing special, nothing you cannot bear to not read. It's predictable, at best.

My Rating : 1/5

One last word...

I know a lot of people are probably feeling tempted to point out that maybe I just don't like this genre and thus I don't have the right to bash the book like this. But, truth is, I'm quite fond of this 'new adult' genre as well as the trope of casual sex turning into love. That it, if it's well written and well executed. I've read quite a few books in this trope and enjoyed a handful of them too. Most recent would be Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover and you can even read my review here. I found that book to be pretty amazing, though it's based on the same theme as this book and is similar to this book in quite a few areas. Whereas one is an enjoyable, hooking read, the other qualifies as nothing.

[Lindsey]

Books 1,2 & 3 all free on smash words!!
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi... (scroll the the bottom for all 3 books)

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from Pembroke Publishing in exchange for an honest review. As it has clearly been pointed out that there might be errors since this is not the finished product, these will not be reflected in this review.

Tyler is a recently discharged Marine who is still getting used to being back in the Civilian "world".

Tiffany is well known Broadcaster in Boston and on her way to sort out family business in Texas, she literally "bumps" into Tyler. As far as she is concerned, it's going to be a short visit. She doesn’t have good memories of her hometown and has done her best to stay away and she intends to keep it that way.

There is an instant attraction between them but nothing is straightforward and Tiffany's past comes crashing back threatening her and those she gets close to.

I like the ease with which Tyler and Tiffany relate to each other even when the going gets tough. It's an interesting storyline and an easy to read romance.

There were enough twists along the way to keep and hold my interest. I found the ending to be a little abrupt but an interesting read nonetheless.

This novel is suitable for 18+ readers due to the explicit sex scenes.

[Sharon Obelenus Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this for a honest review. Unlike others, I realize this was NOT the finished copy. This is Jake's brother's story. But also Tiffani's. Tiffany is back in Texas to close her past. With the death of her mother, she has to go back to the Hell that should have been home. On her way to the hotel, she takes her eyes off the road and nearly hits Taylor. With her car trashed, he takes her home with him. Tiffani, has lived her life to make herself better, but something about Taylor draws her back to her old life. Little does she realize her old life is going to come crashing down on her. Her life in Hell is about to enter into Jake and Emily's lives. Can she save them all, or will she lose the only man she has ever loved?

[Soccergypsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

** Author provided a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. **

I rarely read a book in a series without having read the prior releases (personal quirk) but I found that I really enjoyed this story. It is the third in a series but is a wonderful stand-alone novel. There was a thrilling back-story to both characters and I was glad to see that the female was a strong lead. Yes, the attraction between the two main characters was immediately hot and steamy and a main point but the threading of family values, personal integrity, and friendship was nicely integrated. I look forward to reading the first two in "The Chances Are" series.

[Julie Lavalle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this one as much as the other 2 in the series. This one seemed to be just thrown together. I really wanted to love it but just couldn't. I did really like this quote though..

"She really likes you, ever think about having a family?"
"In order to do that, I have to find someone to
procreate with Em, and as far as I know my hand can't reproduce"

I couldn't stop laughing!!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. I can honestly say I love the characters. I really enjoyed Tyler and Tiffani's back and forth banter. It was the perfect amount of story and steam. The writing is great. I can honestly say I can't wait until C.D. Taylor's next book.

[Andrea McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. Love the add in of characters from the first two books in the series. Can't wait to add this book to my collection.

[Hannah Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiffani Cooper

Poor Tiffani, a woman raised in a house where her dad was a drug dealer and an abuser. She thought she would escape her whole past by moving to Boston, meeting the "Perfect" man, engaged and planning her beautiful wedding, which may not be perfect after all. However her mum passes away and she is forced to go back to her parents home to sell it. Nothing has been plain sailing for Tiff and on this trip she meets Tyler Bradford, a sexy ex marine.
Her character is the main one throughout the book, I felt so much pain for her and what she has been through in her life, the flash backs really helped to understand her and why she is the woman she has moulded herself into. However Tiff had big secrets I didn't even expect, she definitely kept me thinking.

Tyler Bradford

Tyler is an ex marine who joined the forces after the attacks of 9/11. He is of course tall, sexy and a romantic. Who wouldn't want him, unfortunately he was not enough for his wife.
Tyler's wife cheated on him while he was away and then found out she was pregnant, due to the time scales Tyler never knew if the baby was his, and he never found out as his wife committed suicide before he came home.
This made me feel sorry for his character he had everything, but it was all torn away from him in such a short space of time. He is a gentleman throughout the book, but a wild man when it comes to the bedroom, which of course has Tiff weak at the knees.
His actions speak so much louder in the book than his words. Both characters have such a traumatic back story that I wasn't surprised that they would be brought together.

Overall

I have previously read Left to chance by C.D. Taylor last year, which was sent to me however I never got a chance to review it, so when I was sent the third book in the series to review I could not say no. The great thing about these books are they are based on different characters, therefor it does not matter which order you read them.
I was captivated from the beginning, if I had a full day to read it this past week I would have. The plot was well thought out, the characters always left me wanting to know more, the secrets, twist and turns these characters went through, were definitely what kept me hooked from the beginning.

A couple coming together in a clash, will they survive the 2 weeks they have together, and who will come along to destroy them?

I have seen reviews where people have said it is a basic love story, and it is. But I loved it. It got straight to the point and was a good read, we all have different reviews on books, and this one did not disappoint with it's content.


Genre- Erotica, Fiction, Romance
Definitely lived up to the previous book. The author has created 3 amazing books in this series, for those of you wanting to get lost in a couples love story, as well as all the hot and steamy parts in between.

[circumspect4 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book involves the relationship of Tiffani and Tyler. Tiffani, formerly from Texas, now lives in Boston, working as a television news anchor. She has done everything possible to hid her tainted past, including changing her name. Tyler has just returned from overseas as a Marine. (Yep, this book had me at Marine!)

While Tiffani is traveling back to Texas to settle her mother’s estate, her fiance, Richard, is vacationing in Bermuda with his family. Needless to say, Richard, does more than vacation in Bermuda and decides Tiffani isn’t as much fun as his new fling he picks up in Bermuda. I guess that’s over!

Back driving in Texas, Tiffani gets distracted and almost hits an oncoming truck. Tiffani ends up off the road and into the truck of our hot, sexy, Marine, Tyler. “This man was sin, wrapped in temptation, mixed with a whole lot of heart. It wasn’t a combination I needed to be involved with.”
Full review can be read at http://booklovercircumspect4.com/2015... is hiding from her past and Tyler is dealing with issues of his own past. However, this doesn’t stop Tiffani and Tyler from hitting it off, and I mean, Hit If Off Over, and over and over again. Throughout their passionate affair, Tiffani’s past comes back to haunt her, causing potential harm to Tyler, his family, and her best friend. Is Tiffani able to save herself from her past, will she let Tyler help her, or will Tyler just walk away? You will have to read the book.

Favorite quote from the book: “Your flaws are what make you beautiful. Every scar that you carry tells a story. Where you’ve been, what you’ve done, it’s all part of the puzzle that makes you who you are.”

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. My review is based solely on my personal experiences of reading the book and are my opinions alone.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiffani had successfully escaped an ugly childhood down in Texas, or so she thought, via her shiny “news-darling” career with NBC in Boston. But when she has to go back down south, while her demoted fiancé is off in Bermuda having shown he’s no help at all, the demons come out to play. Life catches up to Tiffani as its wheels turn, bringing her nightmares back to life as she must clear the family estate and pack up the old homestead.

Yes, it was annoying to read how she’s clutching her secret, refusing to share, neurotic over it--but no more annoying than a friend going through memory's hell. It's frustrating when someone just can't talk about it, but not being able to tell all to a brand-new man friend is pretty easy to understand. We've all been there, haven't we?

Tyler, the brand-new romance met in Texas, seems perfect --- gorgeous, with a lovely family via his brother, kind, respectful of Tiffani's body boundaries, and, well, there. A former Blackhawk helicopter pilot with a head full of combat nightmares, it turns out he has his own fights with the hand he’s been dealt.

With lots of luscious sex to fuel the plot, some of the best in Tyler’s truck bed, sex as sweet and hot as the Texas sun, this book kept me turning the pages for more of everything. Taylor’s style is intense, ramping up the taut plot, and the writing is very good. Recommended read, for sure!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Quentin Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of an up and coming TV personality who must return to her home state to close out her parents' estate. It is a trip that she is not looking forward to because she is in the middle of planning her wedding and also she is not ready to face the past she left behind and the demons that she has buried and is trying to forget. She comes in contact with a young man who is also trying to bury his past and the sparks begin to fly between them. But then her past demons rear their heads and she has to deal with them and the new problem of her betroth unfaithful and breaking off the engagement. Because of her past she will not allow herself to fall in love with the young man who is falling for her. Through the fights, spats, and quarrels and the struggle with her past will she find happiness and decide that returning home may not be as bad as it seems once she learns to live with her past?

An excellent job and I look forward to the other books in the series. I received a free download of the ebook in exchange for a review.

[Trixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started out a bit slower than the previous two in the series. There was more story, less sex. Although, I did enjoy it, it was not quite in the same realm of the other two. There was still steamy hot, melt your panties sex and a happy ending, but it did take me longer to read and some of the story, I have to admit, I skimmed through. It has a happy conclusive ending (which is true for each book in the series), therefore covered all my reading for pleasure checklist. I would recommend this book (and the whole series) to anyone who is in need of escape to a steamy hot fantasy. The characters are all introduced in the first book, and you do not need to read them all, but if you want to find out what happens....

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review of a re-release. Returning home after a parent's death is difficult, but when faced with terrible memories, it is even worse. Tiffani returns home after her mother's death; to a home she has not been in 12 years. On the way, she meets Tyler, finds out her fiancé has cheated on her, and that is just the beginning. Between the steamy sex scenes with Tyler and fighting memories, together Tiffani and Tyler find themselves together. Tyler, fighting his own memories, realizes that maybe he can have what he always wanted; his own family and his parents off his back. I liked the storyline and wish more had been written about that than the sex.

[Amanda Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.D. Taylor has a great way of drawing you in and making you feel like you are part of the story, she picks up in book 3 of her series, but this book is perfect as a stand alone as well. It's a page turner that grabs your interest quickly and won't let you set it down until you finish it. You find yourself caring for the characters and hopeful for the happy ending you feel they need and deserve. She doesn't disappoint and you will be happy you gave "A Fighting Chance" a chance.

You will find yourself transported to Texas and flung into the world of Tyler and Tiffani and help them face their own personal demons as they find love in the most unlikely of circumstances.

[Holly Bargo]

Was this book written by a teenager?

I could not get through the first two chapters. The author needs someone with a strong command of grammar and punctuation to proofread the content. Occasional typos I can overlook, but this book is riddled with errors: it's is not the same as its; then is different from than; plural of anything is not indicated by an apostrophe S; punctuation is sloppy. Following that, the characters struck me as puerile.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maggie needs to return to Texas and spend one week in her mother's house, clearing it and getting it ready to sell. Then according to her mother's will, she will be given the inheritance. So returns and is so intend in grabbing her phone that she almost runs into someone in the other lane. She swerves and ends up in a pasture. When she comes to she is looking at Tyler. But she is a city girl and he's country plus she is engaged.

[Auhmanduh · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Jake's brother Taylor gets back from war he finds himself back in his home state of Texas and driving literally head on with Maggie (don't text and drive, if your phone falls LEAVE IT THERE!).

Taylor is the wounded war vet and Maggie is the beautiful city girl who has a dark past. There is lots of drama in this book, while slightly predicatble it was entertaining.

[Natalie50208 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars again. I really enjoyed this series. They story lines were good and easy to get into and quick reads. Some of the dialog was a little short (at times I was like, 'really, that's it'). The characters could have been developed more and the endings drawn out a little (no need to rush happily ever after lol).

[Shaly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as book one but way better than book two. Once again the grammatical errors were very frustrating to get past and the emotions of Tyler and Maggie were all over the place. I think all 3 books in this series could have been great but the author rushed through everything and had poor editing.

[Jessica Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this series is... WOW! I really enjoyed them all.

There were the occasional eye roll and annoyed breathing, but it really wouldn't bee a good book otherwise. Needless to say they were all FREE on my Nook Book on Barnes and Noble. They will probably not be for long, since they were so good.

Really enjoyed the writing style and will look into other books written by the same author.

[Solluna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am confused I thought this book listed was the second in the series?
I am a sucker for Army, Navy, Marine, SEAL's...anything in a uniform but what a shame, this story just like the book before, it's just off. I didn't care for the characters, sex is good though.

[Lisa Survillas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the story, but it felt very rushed and sort of details. I enjoyed the series but really feel like with some grammatical editing and some revisions this could be a great series. Felt like this coup have use an epilogue to finalize Tyler and Maggie's story.

[Tia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought it was stupid. Progressed way too fast. The "suspense," if you can even really call it that was anticlimactic and rushed. I hate insta-love books. I also hate how the narrative kept changing from first to third person.
One of the worst reads!

[Dawn-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this was better than the previous book. However, the ending was so rushed! It was like all of a sudden bing, bam, boom, wrapped up and done.. I just thought, well that's really cheesy. It had so much potential then just fell flat at the end for me. But 98% of it was good.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

:-(
still only okay. The entire trilogy felt rushed and had holes in the story line. I very much get the feeling the author had som kind of writing " formula" and followed it to a t. there potential here, but serious editing and character/story devlopment is needed.

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book but I definitely felt like the entire book especially the ending was rushed otherwise I thought the book was well written

[Tiara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. I don't know what else to say about this book to me there were gaps left in the story it felt rushed book2 by far was my favorite in the series.

[Alicia Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the best story of the 3

[Nesi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sequel to Stay with me. Not as good as the previous books and the story was a little rushed but still an okay read. About 245 pgs on nook.