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Take a Chance: A steamy festive sapphic romance about love, healing, and second chances.
When love arrives in the middle of a snowstorm, will they risk it all for one more chance at happiness?
Daisy Rose Foster didn’t plan on starting over at Christmas. But after catching her girlfriend cheating, she packs her bags, quits her job, and heads home to reset her life. One snowy detour later, she meets Sammy-Jo Costa—a professional footballer with a past as stormy as the weather outside.
Their instant chemistry turns a winter disaster into something magical. But when reality sets in, Daisy isn’t sure she’s ready to open her heart again, and SJ knows that risking her new career for love could break her all over again.
From festive nights and fireside kisses to the fear of losing what they’ve just found, Take a Chance is a hot and hopeful sapphic romance about courage, connection, and finding the person who feels like home.
A standalone spin-off from Last Chance by bestselling author Claire Highton-Stevenson.
Daisy Rose Foster didn’t plan on starting over at Christmas. But after catching her girlfriend cheating, she packs her bags, quits her job, and heads home to reset her life. One snowy detour later, she meets Sammy-Jo Costa—a professional footballer with a past as stormy as the weather outside.
Their instant chemistry turns a winter disaster into something magical. But when reality sets in, Daisy isn’t sure she’s ready to open her heart again, and SJ knows that risking her new career for love could break her all over again.
From festive nights and fireside kisses to the fear of losing what they’ve just found, Take a Chance is a hot and hopeful sapphic romance about courage, connection, and finding the person who feels like home.
A standalone spin-off from Last Chance by bestselling author Claire Highton-Stevenson.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2024
154 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Claire Highton-Stevenson
43 books363 followersAward-Winning and best selling, Claire Highton-Stevenson is an Independent author of contemporary romance and crime novels.
Having worked for many years in emergency services, Claire now spends her time writing, traveling, researching ancestry, following Liverpool FC and enjoying life as much as possible.
She lives in West Sussex, UK. Along with her wife and fur babies.
Having worked for many years in emergency services, Claire now spends her time writing, traveling, researching ancestry, following Liverpool FC and enjoying life as much as possible.
She lives in West Sussex, UK. Along with her wife and fur babies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 1, 2025
Read in a single day -wet and cold (boiler broken so no hot water or heat🥶) - a lovely bed read with excellent back characters who I find out are from another book I should have read first. (Last Chance)
December 9, 2024
What a gorgeous book to read! There is humor, love (family and partners), and plenty of HEAT! It was great catching up with previous characters!
Daisy and Sammi-Jo (SJ) have a chemistry that is off the chart! I highly recommend this book! 5 stars!
Daisy and Sammi-Jo (SJ) have a chemistry that is off the chart! I highly recommend this book! 5 stars!
November 30, 2024
Sapphic Christmas Romcom!
4.5⭐️ Another wonderful story by this author. A definite romcom filled with a bit of angst, beautiful chemistry and humor! Sammy Jo has come a long way from how she acted in Last Chance. Daisy was a burst of sunshine! She was so sweet and warm and friendly and kind. They balanced each other out perfectly. I loved her family dynamics and how lots of special guests were included actually through meeting and befriending Daisy. Give a good cheer and have a read!
4.5⭐️ Another wonderful story by this author. A definite romcom filled with a bit of angst, beautiful chemistry and humor! Sammy Jo has come a long way from how she acted in Last Chance. Daisy was a burst of sunshine! She was so sweet and warm and friendly and kind. They balanced each other out perfectly. I loved her family dynamics and how lots of special guests were included actually through meeting and befriending Daisy. Give a good cheer and have a read!
November 19, 2024
The perfect romcom!
This book is the perfect sapphic Holiday Romcom, like a movie.
Enjoyable and entertaining, hot and sweet, with all the characters and twists and turns of a romantic comedy.
This book is the perfect sapphic Holiday Romcom, like a movie.
Enjoyable and entertaining, hot and sweet, with all the characters and twists and turns of a romantic comedy.
December 1, 2024
Take a Chance is the first book I've read by Claire Highton-Stevenson. I've meant to read her before but never got around to it, and then this one came out and I saw it on KU so I figured I'd check it out and get in a good holiday story while I was at it. It's apparently a spin-off of Last Chance, which I (obviously) haven't read, and while I do think I would have known who some of the side characters were better, I don't think it's necessary to have read it to follow this one.
Daisy is miserable at her job, getting evicted, and has dumped her cheating girlfriend, so she heads home to spend the holidays with her loving family. Her car breaks down in a snowstorm when she's almost there, but she's rescued by a cute passerby named SJ who helps her carry her luggage to her destination before heading home in the snow. The two feel a connection and both keep looking for each other until they meet again and oh, goodness, does the spark between them burn hot.
The two of them both have toxic exes in their pasts and try to navigate their feelings for each other while contending with their past traumas. The story itself is fairly straightforward and simple, with a lot of sexy times, a bit of angst, and more comedy of errors moments. I enjoyed it immensely, and this definitely won't be my last Claire Highton-Stevenson book, that's for sure!
Daisy is miserable at her job, getting evicted, and has dumped her cheating girlfriend, so she heads home to spend the holidays with her loving family. Her car breaks down in a snowstorm when she's almost there, but she's rescued by a cute passerby named SJ who helps her carry her luggage to her destination before heading home in the snow. The two feel a connection and both keep looking for each other until they meet again and oh, goodness, does the spark between them burn hot.
The two of them both have toxic exes in their pasts and try to navigate their feelings for each other while contending with their past traumas. The story itself is fairly straightforward and simple, with a lot of sexy times, a bit of angst, and more comedy of errors moments. I enjoyed it immensely, and this definitely won't be my last Claire Highton-Stevenson book, that's for sure!
March 1, 2025
Daisy is travelling to see her parents and young sisters for Christmas, when her car breaks down in the snow about two miles from their house. A woman comes to her aid, walking with her to her parents’ house, and she introduces herself as Sammy-Jo (also known as SJ).
For the next couple of days Daisy searches for the elusive SJ, and eventually finds her.
This is a gentle story about Daisy, being encouraged to move home by her family, and SJ, a professional soccer player, slowly getting over a toxic relationship from a year previously which nearly cost her her career. Daisy is a fun character; a flirty risk taker, always trying something new, and loving the thrill from sex in unusual places with the possibility of being discovered. SJ was a loud, pushy woman, before her last relationship, and is now in therapy, and worried about making the same mistakes again.
A lovely, fun and warm story.
For the next couple of days Daisy searches for the elusive SJ, and eventually finds her.
This is a gentle story about Daisy, being encouraged to move home by her family, and SJ, a professional soccer player, slowly getting over a toxic relationship from a year previously which nearly cost her her career. Daisy is a fun character; a flirty risk taker, always trying something new, and loving the thrill from sex in unusual places with the possibility of being discovered. SJ was a loud, pushy woman, before her last relationship, and is now in therapy, and worried about making the same mistakes again.
A lovely, fun and warm story.
December 9, 2024
A very lovely read
This book was cute and refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hadn't read the first one due to triggering content (for my own reasons and not the authors fault, mind you. And I highly encourage others to read it.) And even so, I still didn't feel like I was lost reading this one. It was all around highly enjoyable and would recommend it to all.
This book was cute and refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hadn't read the first one due to triggering content (for my own reasons and not the authors fault, mind you. And I highly encourage others to read it.) And even so, I still didn't feel like I was lost reading this one. It was all around highly enjoyable and would recommend it to all.
December 3, 2024
loved it
Ok, funny story, I started reading this and thought, I recognise a few of these names, maybe I’ve already read this book. Obviously I hadn’t, but the thought just kept popping up. Finally I realised it was related to the other footy story I’d read not to long ago. And yep, I felt kind of stupid realising that.
Anyway, superb book by CHS. Really sweet Christmas story with some familiar faces along with a bunch of new ones. Some favourite characters also show up to make this book even better.
Snuggle up under a blanket and enjoy this wonderful book. May cause a rise in temperature at certain points.
Ok, funny story, I started reading this and thought, I recognise a few of these names, maybe I’ve already read this book. Obviously I hadn’t, but the thought just kept popping up. Finally I realised it was related to the other footy story I’d read not to long ago. And yep, I felt kind of stupid realising that.
Anyway, superb book by CHS. Really sweet Christmas story with some familiar faces along with a bunch of new ones. Some favourite characters also show up to make this book even better.
Snuggle up under a blanket and enjoy this wonderful book. May cause a rise in temperature at certain points.
December 1, 2024
So good
Wow, I think I enjoyed this story even more than the romance between Nora and Gabby. The author was so skillful in humanizing a character that would be easy to dislike. The premise of the story was very engaging.... especially with the role Sammy Jo's character plays in the previous novel. The author provide just enough background without bogging down the romance between Daisy and Sammy Jo. I enjoyed the characters (new and old) as well as the storyline. This is definitely worth the read.
Wow, I think I enjoyed this story even more than the romance between Nora and Gabby. The author was so skillful in humanizing a character that would be easy to dislike. The premise of the story was very engaging.... especially with the role Sammy Jo's character plays in the previous novel. The author provide just enough background without bogging down the romance between Daisy and Sammy Jo. I enjoyed the characters (new and old) as well as the storyline. This is definitely worth the read.
November 24, 2024
A Perfectly Humorous Story Of Romance 💘
I have read every book Claire Highton - Stevenson has written. Never have I enjoyed a book more. I was smiling throughout the entire book with the exception of Daisy and Sammy-Jo’s misunderstanding. The story was written and laid out well. Two women meet when Daisy’s car breaks down a few blocks from her parents home. Since it was snowing and her phone was dead, talking to herself she decides to walk it and somehow carry the presents she brought. But a women approaches and when Daisy explains what she was going to do, the women who calls herself SJ decides to help her and walk her home. This little peek into their lives was extremely entertaining as well as the whole book. What happens between them in only a few days cast a light on what could happen when you least expect it especially when both women have been hurt by exes recently and sworn off relationships. Loved this book !
I have read every book Claire Highton - Stevenson has written. Never have I enjoyed a book more. I was smiling throughout the entire book with the exception of Daisy and Sammy-Jo’s misunderstanding. The story was written and laid out well. Two women meet when Daisy’s car breaks down a few blocks from her parents home. Since it was snowing and her phone was dead, talking to herself she decides to walk it and somehow carry the presents she brought. But a women approaches and when Daisy explains what she was going to do, the women who calls herself SJ decides to help her and walk her home. This little peek into their lives was extremely entertaining as well as the whole book. What happens between them in only a few days cast a light on what could happen when you least expect it especially when both women have been hurt by exes recently and sworn off relationships. Loved this book !
December 2, 2024
I love Daisy Rose Foster and Sammy-Jo Costa! Once again, Claire Highton-Stevenson has created wonderful characters and written a fantastic, fun, romantic, sexy story. Awesome book, Claire. Thank you!
November 28, 2024
Great Book
Claire has another book to brag about. Sammy-Jo and Daisy were great together. I love how they met and just had to find each other again. This is a great Chritmas book, and well worth the read. I can't read her next books.
Claire has another book to brag about. Sammy-Jo and Daisy were great together. I love how they met and just had to find each other again. This is a great Chritmas book, and well worth the read. I can't read her next books.
November 20, 2024
Loved it!!
SJ talking herself through her thoughts was beautifully written. Practicing so many the tools she gained in therapy was a delight to read. So many old friends popped up in this book too! Such a fun read!
SJ talking herself through her thoughts was beautifully written. Practicing so many the tools she gained in therapy was a delight to read. So many old friends popped up in this book too! Such a fun read!
December 10, 2025
3.5 ⭐. Ironic that I read book 1 just to get to book 2 because this one had the Christmas festivities I’m locked into rn… but turns out the Gabby and Nora story beats out the SJ and Daisy story. There’s good ideas in here. SJ is looking to making a comeback and make a solid girlfriend choice for once in her life. A Little bit of personal growth during the beautiful holiday season and with someone as awesome as Daisy who really does see through her and has the right tools to break down those high walls. It has the bones for a good read.
But… this was all too convenient and incorrectly paced. I agreed, given their personality types, they would U-Haul like crazy and have the L-bomb floating between them that soon, but I still couldn’t buy into thinking it would really last if there were like 10 more chapters of this. The way Daisy had quit a job and got hired on the spot the same day was just lazy and even the decision to move home - while cute- was just a shortcut moment. Also the fight these two have, and the subsequent wild goose chase they go on trying to reconcile was pretty boring even though it was supposed to feel like quite a gripping turning point in the relationship. Then, the fact that Daisy had so successfully build a strong network of friends in what? 2 weeks? And yes, there’s friends of friends and girlfriends weaving all throughout this town but that group’s influence was key to the success of this relationship in many chapters and we barely got to see it’s development.
This was a shorter read, less events around the footy side as it’s set in the off-season but I actually found I enjoyed the highs and lows that came with the Ws and Ls of book 1. It filled the journey out nicely and put our characters in different circumstances to showcase personalities more. This book lacked the variety. Reading them back to back highlighted that so clearly for me.
Side note that Daisy really should’ve had a different name. Doesn’t suit her one bit, she’s all spice, risk and power-bottom femme. Deffo my type but the name was just wrong lol.
But Daisy’s family were all really awesome and that was a nice thought; that SJ was easily welcomed and adored in that home and will be for however many Christmases I’m supposed to believe these two MCs have together.
But… this was all too convenient and incorrectly paced. I agreed, given their personality types, they would U-Haul like crazy and have the L-bomb floating between them that soon, but I still couldn’t buy into thinking it would really last if there were like 10 more chapters of this. The way Daisy had quit a job and got hired on the spot the same day was just lazy and even the decision to move home - while cute- was just a shortcut moment. Also the fight these two have, and the subsequent wild goose chase they go on trying to reconcile was pretty boring even though it was supposed to feel like quite a gripping turning point in the relationship. Then, the fact that Daisy had so successfully build a strong network of friends in what? 2 weeks? And yes, there’s friends of friends and girlfriends weaving all throughout this town but that group’s influence was key to the success of this relationship in many chapters and we barely got to see it’s development.
This was a shorter read, less events around the footy side as it’s set in the off-season but I actually found I enjoyed the highs and lows that came with the Ws and Ls of book 1. It filled the journey out nicely and put our characters in different circumstances to showcase personalities more. This book lacked the variety. Reading them back to back highlighted that so clearly for me.
Side note that Daisy really should’ve had a different name. Doesn’t suit her one bit, she’s all spice, risk and power-bottom femme. Deffo my type but the name was just wrong lol.
But Daisy’s family were all really awesome and that was a nice thought; that SJ was easily welcomed and adored in that home and will be for however many Christmases I’m supposed to believe these two MCs have together.
December 16, 2024
This story brings together a new character Daisy with a whole bunch of people and places from other books.
Daisy is heading home for Christmas in the snow when her car breaks down. She needs to walk in the snow carrying her stuff. SJ helps her get home and they meet up again in a bar (by chance).
SJ has a reputation due to her past behaviour (Last Chance) and Daisy doesn't know this. SJ has tried hard to work on herself and is a changed person.
SJ is a football player - and Daisy's dad and his mate are big fans.
Daisy likes to take risks and SJ has been trying not to take risks - but these risks are acceptable and fun.
There's a lot of miscommunication, being snowed in and unable to get home, but ultimately they start a relationship but are unsure about it as Daisy is only home for Christmas.
Daisy is concerned that her old life wasn't working out for her anyway.
Some places/people of interest:
Art Too
Blanca's
Claudia
Scarlett
Diana
Shannon
Natalie
Sadie
Gabby
Nora (and other footballers)
There is of course an epilogue.
There is not a proposal, wedding or baby in sight. But Daisy's dad and friend are in the directors box talking football with Gabby.
This is a good festive read that doesn't go overboard on the festivities - it is all about the people and their lives/relationships
Daisy is heading home for Christmas in the snow when her car breaks down. She needs to walk in the snow carrying her stuff. SJ helps her get home and they meet up again in a bar (by chance).
SJ has a reputation due to her past behaviour (Last Chance) and Daisy doesn't know this. SJ has tried hard to work on herself and is a changed person.
SJ is a football player - and Daisy's dad and his mate are big fans.
Daisy likes to take risks and SJ has been trying not to take risks - but these risks are acceptable and fun.
There's a lot of miscommunication, being snowed in and unable to get home, but ultimately they start a relationship but are unsure about it as Daisy is only home for Christmas.
Daisy is concerned that her old life wasn't working out for her anyway.
Some places/people of interest:
Art Too
Blanca's
Claudia
Scarlett
Diana
Shannon
Natalie
Sadie
Gabby
Nora (and other footballers)
There is of course an epilogue.
There is not a proposal, wedding or baby in sight. But Daisy's dad and friend are in the directors box talking football with Gabby.
This is a good festive read that doesn't go overboard on the festivities - it is all about the people and their lives/relationships
December 13, 2024
Holiday fling to forever
I was so excited to see Sammy-Jo get her well deserved redemption. I felt like SJ was prickly (in Last Chance) but not necessarily a bad person. Take a Chance really showcases her growth and the vulnerable side of her.
Daisy is headed home for the holidays, needing a break from her terrible job and cheating ex. Sammy-Jo ends up white knighting for Daisy when her car breaks down. The two women end up connecting with each other throughout the holiday break, fueling their chemistry. Both have had awful experiences in previous relationships that may catch up to them, if they’re not careful.
As a Claire fan, I was elated to see some familiar faces in this book. We love our footballers from Last Chance but also having Diana and Scarlett make an appearance made me so happy.
Anyway, I highly recommend checking out this cute holiday romance!
I was so excited to see Sammy-Jo get her well deserved redemption. I felt like SJ was prickly (in Last Chance) but not necessarily a bad person. Take a Chance really showcases her growth and the vulnerable side of her.
Daisy is headed home for the holidays, needing a break from her terrible job and cheating ex. Sammy-Jo ends up white knighting for Daisy when her car breaks down. The two women end up connecting with each other throughout the holiday break, fueling their chemistry. Both have had awful experiences in previous relationships that may catch up to them, if they’re not careful.
As a Claire fan, I was elated to see some familiar faces in this book. We love our footballers from Last Chance but also having Diana and Scarlett make an appearance made me so happy.
Anyway, I highly recommend checking out this cute holiday romance!
January 20, 2025
The book is sweet for a cozy evening on the couch, but nothing more. I couldn't really connect with the story.
The plot itself is interesting and has a lot of potential:
It's winter and Daisy wants to go to her parents' house. Unfortunately, her car won't start and her cell phone has run out of battery. Sammy-Jo meets her by chance and accompanies her to her parents' house. The two immediately find each other attractive and hot. However, both of them have only recently ended a relationship and this has left deep scars... Can more develop between the two of them?
I didn't feel the sparks or the chemistry. Yes, the story was nice and sweet, that's all it was for me. There were a lot of spicy scenes, some of which didn't convince me either. It was all very foreshadowing and I think every cliché was taken. I sometimes missed the depth of Daisy and Sammy-Jo. It just wasn't my book.
The plot itself is interesting and has a lot of potential:
It's winter and Daisy wants to go to her parents' house. Unfortunately, her car won't start and her cell phone has run out of battery. Sammy-Jo meets her by chance and accompanies her to her parents' house. The two immediately find each other attractive and hot. However, both of them have only recently ended a relationship and this has left deep scars... Can more develop between the two of them?
I didn't feel the sparks or the chemistry. Yes, the story was nice and sweet, that's all it was for me. There were a lot of spicy scenes, some of which didn't convince me either. It was all very foreshadowing and I think every cliché was taken. I sometimes missed the depth of Daisy and Sammy-Jo. It just wasn't my book.
December 31, 2024
So I read Take a Chance, and I loved it. I'm not sure how I missed that it's a sequel/spin-off to Last Chance, which I read and loved as well. This book follows Daisy, who is visiting her family for Christmas and Sammy-Jo (SJ), a professional soccer player who is trying to redeem herself to her team after a bad previous year. I loved that characters from Take a Chance were in this story, I fell in love with Nora and Gabby previously. This story is definitely an insta love kind of story, but it was very well done. It is very well written, and the story definitely pulls you in. I gave this story 5 stars, and it's definitely worth it. I definitely recommend this story to anyone.
December 14, 2024
I absolutely love when books intertwine and you know the characters from a previous book you read by the same author!!
I loved Sammy-Jo in the first book because she was trying to ruin the captain of the football team but man has she turned around in a year! When Sammy-Jo rescues Daisy from having to walk home along when her car breaks down in the snow, the chemistry between the two are undeniable.
Of course there are some fall outs and drama but you will expect a great holiday romance with this author and these characters!
I loved Sammy-Jo in the first book because she was trying to ruin the captain of the football team but man has she turned around in a year! When Sammy-Jo rescues Daisy from having to walk home along when her car breaks down in the snow, the chemistry between the two are undeniable.
Of course there are some fall outs and drama but you will expect a great holiday romance with this author and these characters!
December 14, 2024
Good book
Sj is really trying to change after last Christmas but she wanted what everyone else had a companionship. Daisy just wanted a better job to be closer to home to have family around a girlfriend that she can trust. A big storm and Sammy Jo being the knight in shining armor helped bring these two crazy love bird together. It was nice that All of the characters from the other books meet up around Christmas. A wonderful Christmas magic story
Sj is really trying to change after last Christmas but she wanted what everyone else had a companionship. Daisy just wanted a better job to be closer to home to have family around a girlfriend that she can trust. A big storm and Sammy Jo being the knight in shining armor helped bring these two crazy love bird together. It was nice that All of the characters from the other books meet up around Christmas. A wonderful Christmas magic story
December 22, 2024
I adored this book. I love a redemption arc and SJ totally deserved one! I really enjoyed the introspection SJ does throughout this story, I love when characters are flawed but I love it even more when they work on themselves and grow. A holiday romance with a bit of football (soccer) thrown in, not to mention both MCs are hot in their own right and you’ve got a freaking amazing sapphic romance on your hands!
February 26, 2025
I liked the story, especially the fact that each character carries traumas from past relationships that they need to heal. Sometimes, one projects onto new relationships what they need to resolve within themselves. It’s important to recognize your own fears and demons so as not to project them onto others.
June 6, 2025
Netflix Christmas movie at its best. The sweet sweet sapphic rom-com we all know and love. Get those spicy (gingerbread) cookies just right with these two delicious characters. It really is the happiest season if you take a chance.
September 8, 2025
I absolutely flew through this book, it was the perfect balance of sweet and heat! Not only was the love story itself perfect but the cast of supporting characters were brilliantly written also. I honestly could have kept reading and reading!
November 22, 2024
Good read! Nice to see Sammy back, and she redeems herself nicely. Good romance, good story...
November 27, 2024
very Cute
It’s a very cute story.
I get the feeling that there’s 5 other books I need to read to get the whole view, but it is a cute story.
It’s a very cute story.
I get the feeling that there’s 5 other books I need to read to get the whole view, but it is a cute story.
December 7, 2024
🥱😒🙄🥱😵💫
January 1, 2025
good read
Good read and funny. I would recommend it. It is worth the time, you won’t be disappointed with this book
Good read and funny. I would recommend it. It is worth the time, you won’t be disappointed with this book
August 16, 2025
Breakups and snowy Christmas breakdowns with the car. Rescued by the local midfielder. How much romance can happen over Christmas and New Year? A great plot
October 23, 2025
Loved it!
I love everything by this author. It's laugh out loud funny, heartfelt, and relatable. The characters are amazing. Can't wait to read all of her books.
I love everything by this author. It's laugh out loud funny, heartfelt, and relatable. The characters are amazing. Can't wait to read all of her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews