This is a peer review.
“I once doubted I’d ever find a woman I’d want to spend the rest of my life loving. Everyone here knows I’m not the kind of man who inspires fairytales. But Hadley, you’re the woman, the only woman, who makes me want to be the man dreams are made of.” -Collin Donnelley in Taking Chances by Alannah Carbonneau
Having read Counting Stars and A Safe Surrender, Books One and Two in the Donnelley Brothers Series, I awaited Taking Chances anxiously. For those of you unfamiliar with the series, Book One tells the story of Logan Donnelley, the eldest of the Donnelley Brothers. Book Two is about Kyle Donnelley, the second eldest and now Book Three is Collin's story. We met glimpses of Collin in Counting Stars and A Safe Surrender, and truth is, given how Book One and Book Two end, I was a bit concerned how Collin's story was going to pan out.
Well, Alannah Carbonneau has hit the ball out of the park YET again! I'm pleased to say that while Logan and Kyle will forever hold a special place in my heart, mischievous Collin has weaseled his way in too. That cheeky-yet-OMG-I can't-stand-how-adorable-this-man-is isn't entirely the same Collin we were acquainted with in the prior books leading up to this one. I swooned - yes- swooned.
While books one and two focused a lot on the love story between the brothers and their female interests, I found that Taking Chances was more focused on Hadley and her road to healing. I loved her strength and resolve to not cave in to the desires of a man, not until she was absolutely ready. This book felt mature, not as in content, but as in wisdom. I loved the more serious tone behind Hadley's thoughts and actions.
“Yeah, well as you so clearly informed your Mother, Reese, and myself, you’re not the relationship kind of guy - and I’m no easy girl.” Screw sorrow, I was pissed now. “You might like the way I feel, but I’ll never be the kind of girl who loves and leaves.” -Hadley Grades in Taking Chances by Alannah Carbonneau
The author's descriptive and lyrical prose abilities just really make me weep due to its beauty and precision. Just when I thought Ms. Carbonneau had blown my mind away, no, no, she does it again and again. She has created this world in the Alberta Rockies and I swear if I ever go to Alberta and don't find the Donnelley Ranch, I'm seriously going to be disappointed. She has done this series so well, I swear it's real and these Donnelley's are real people! If you haven't read this series, you're seriously missing out.
There are some twists and turns in the story and I have limited myself from providing actual details from the book in fear of providing spoilers and given that I was gifted an Advanced Reader's Copy, I don't want to spoil it for readers.
Taking Chances is the story of Hadley Grades, a twenty year old woman from Toronto who was sent to the Donnelley Ranch to heal after a tragic event that changed her life. There she meets Collin Donnelley, the man-whore lothario Donnelley brother who doesn't believe in relationships and settling down.
What happens next? I leave it up to you to figure it out, dear reader.
If you haven't read the Donnelley Brothers Series, you are seriously missing out. Taking Chances was not the exception. I loved this book and now I'm eagerly awaiting the release of Book Four which is Luke's story, the youngest of the brothers. Horses, stables, mmm, I can't wait!
"You’re it for me - I know that now.”
Five Amazing Stars! Well done, Ms. Carbonneau. Brava.