Chance Would Be a Fine Thing

The Chances #10

by Emily E.K. Murdoch

Wilfred Zouch, Duke of Aynor, has been in love with his best friend, Miss Irene Chance, since…well, since forever. And she has no idea.

It’s not precisely her Wilfred still hasn’t told her.

Besotted with the woman who only sees him as a brother, it is her actual brother who suggests to Wilfred that he should make Irene jealous.

And so he does. By pretending to court another lady.

It’s all part of a clever plan in Wilfred’s mind, but Irene finds herself absolutely mortified that her best friend—her Wilfred! —would even consider courting someone without telling her.

Feelings of anger, rage, and a strange sort of possessiveness rise and yet Irene cannot for the life of her understand why.
Until a late-night conversation and a little too much of her father’s liquor led to kisses that neither of them can ignore…or explain.

Why can’t Wilfred admit his affection for his best friend? Why does Irene keep laughing when anyone suggests that the two of them may be well suited?

And if chance would be a fine thing…what happens when the pretend courting with the other woman goes horrendously awry?

This novel continues the highly anticipated Chance family drama, with sixteen cousins and triple the problems. Tropes include best friends to lovers, found family, secrets and lies, misunderstandings, and of course, Emily E K Murdoch’s tried and true method of sizzling, joyful romance.

This full-length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after and no cliffhangers. It is part of a series that can be read in any order.

Tropes You'll Best Friends to LoversFound FamilySecrets and LiesMisunderstandingsVirgin HeroDuke
Read in Kindle Unlimited!

The Chances Series
Book 1: A Fighting Chance
Book 2: A Second Chance
Book 3: An Outside Chance
Book 4: Half a Chance
Book 5: A Chance in a Million
Book 6: Not a Chance in Hell
Book 7: An Eye for the Chance
Book 8: A Sporting Chance
Book 9: Any Chance You Can Take
Book 10: Chance Would be a Fine Thing
Book 11: Take a Chance on You
Book 12: Don’t Fancy Your Chance
Book 13: Give Him a Chance
Book 14: A Chance of a Lifetime
Book 15: In with a Chance
Book 16: Jump at the Chance
Book 17: Let the Chance Slip By
Book 18: Why Take the Chance?
Book 19: A Calculated Chance
Book 20: Leave it All to Chance

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2026

About the author

Emily E.K. Murdoch is also known as Emily Murdoch.

Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.

You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com

Reviews

[pat · Rating 2 out of 5]

such a shame because I liked Irene and Wilfred in the previous book, and I liked them individually, but this—this was not it.

honestly not a fan of friends to lovers trope. it rarely works, and this time it definitely didn’t. sorry but i don’t buy into “i know him/her better than I know myself”, and you can’t tell they’re in love with you. But hey, at least they weren’t in relationships, emotionally cheating on other people (kinda)

Wilfred had his good moments, but listening to Michael’s advice? big yikes! it was not cute and was very sketchy.

Irene was great in the previous book supporting her sister, but in this book, she was dumbed down to the point I started to wonder if lobotomy was a thing back then. seriously? i knew there were liberties to be taken to make the trope work but you cannot tell me a person can be that oblivious. at least dumb down and lobotomise the dude???

and they’re supposed to be best friends and trust each other with their life but at a hint of unconfirmed source gossip we’re breaking up? what? it actively pissed me off! I literally had to put my phone down and walk it off.

but i really liked their family dynamic and how accepting they were of Wilfred. ❤️🫶

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! curious what’s Samuel’s story gonna be about (though I hoped it would be Michael’s.)

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. Irene and Wilfred are quite nice and they are cute together. I liked the first half and last 15% of the book. The ending with her family is why I love this series so much, it is romance but it is also the family ties and dynamics.

Wilfred is down bad, he was so sweet in his love for his best friend. I like that he was trying to figure out how confess. I also liked the OW drama in this book because it was fabricated, there was never any feeling ever for the OW making her the catalyst for Irene to get her but into gear. Which leads to the things that I just didn't care for; this felt a little repetitive because miscommunication was the main cause of conflict, Irene felt purposely obtuse sometimes, and not enough of her father (who is my fav). I think if this was shorter, the repetitive nature of the narrative could have been cleaned up more. An example of her being obtuse is (this is paraphrasing) at one point she says something like "you don't like me do you?" and is upset when he doesn't confess cause it was the perfect time for him to confess if he was going to. I laughed I was like, Irene that is silly seriously. Her father, he is my fav OG brother and clearly I haven't let that go yet.

3.5 can't wait for our next cousins book.

Note: I don't think I have said this yet, but these are just the most beautiful covers.

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I'd read a chapter before going to sleep, and the next thing I knew, the sun was rising.

Five stars because even though these two had me on the edge, on the verge of despair, they kept me up all night, and when I finally got to the most anticipated part, it was full of surprise and excitement for every word and little gest. It deserves every star.

Every Chance member of the family is different, and although I loved Irene in the other books, in this one she tested my patience. I was dying with every word she cut Wilfred short or every selfless gesture who make him questioning everything. I would have liked her to work a little harder for him; Wilfred deserves everything. But I can't be unhappy with that ending and the beautiful epilogue, it was perfect for them.

Now I have to wait for Samuel story, and I already have high expectations imagining what twists and turns Emily E.K. Murdoch will throw at him before letting him reach his happy ending. This series was my hr highlight last year and I'm so happy when I see the growing list of books to come

Thanks to Emily E.K Murdoch and her team at Dragonblade Publishing for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I've enjoyed climbing each branch of the Chance family tree these past few years. Unfortunately, Irene may be the dumbest and dullest bough I've encountered yet. She didn't have much of a personality or certain hobby like her family members. All she brought to the table was that she was in love with her best friend. It took her 15 years to realize that Wilfred was a blonde hunk who was secretly carrying a torch for her. It gave off major Dawson and Joey vibes from the WB. I didn't like the way he had to make her jealous in order for her to acknowledge her latent feelings. This wasn't my favorite Chance adventure, but I'm still excited to keep reading about their family. I'm still holding out for Maude's story, whenever that may be. I'm coming, girl!

[ANdrea Hdz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chance Would Be a Fine Thing by Emily E. K. Murdoch is a heartfelt friends to- overs historical romance that quietly sneaks up on you and refuses to let go.

The story follows Wilfred and Irene, childhood friends and lifelong best friends, who slowly come to realize that their bond has grown into something deeper. Wilfred is the first to understand his feelings and openly declares his love again and again, only to be met with disbelief from Irene. She is convinced that his affection is purely fraternal after all, they have always been “just friends.” She couldn’t be more wrong.

What follows is Wilfred’s tender yet frustrating journey of constant confessions and gentle rejections, until he and Michael, Irene’s brother, devise a plan to spark jealousy and finally open her eyes. Beneath this charming premise lies a story about overcoming personal fears, learning to truly listen, trusting one another, and perhaps most importantly being honest with yourself instead of hiding behind comforting lies.

The novel takes place over the span of two months, from November 1st to January 1st of 1840–1841, while weaving in memories and moments from Wilfred and Irene’s shared past, since they have known each other since childhood. Although the central theme is familiar and has been explored in many romances before, this story still feels fresh. Murdoch does an excellent job of keeping the reader emotionally invested, guiding us chronologically through each event in a clear, linear way that makes the book both engaging and easy to read.

Wilfred and Irene are delightful protagonists; honest, warm, and incredibly relatable. Despite being members of high society in another century, I couldn’t help but feel deeply connected to them. Wilfredo, in particular, completely stole my heart. He is so devoted, so sincere, and so pure in his love that he easily became one of my favorite characters in the entire Chance saga. Truly, he deserves to be protected at all costs.

One of the aspects I appreciated most is that there is no true villain in this story. Instead, the characters must confront their own prejudices, insecurities, and fears; a conflict that feels refreshingly real. The alternating points of view between Irene and Wilfred deepen this emotional connection even further, allowing the reader to understand both sides and grow genuinely attached to them. It also sparks curiosity about the rest of the Chance family.

As I read, I couldn’t help but feel a touch of jealousy toward the beautiful friendship they share. A bond like theirs so strong, enduring, and ever-growing feels rare. It made me reflect on and appreciate the friendships in my own life that have stood the test of time.

A truly beautiful read, tender and emotionally rich, and absolutely worthy of being part of this lovely series.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chance Would Be a Fine Thing is the tenth book in The Chances series, and we are only halfway through it. Each book had been a wonderful addition to the series. making me anxious to read the next installment.

This one is about Irene Chance and her best friend Wilfred who has been part of their family since his parents died, and Irene befriended him twenty years ago. In book nine, I kind of thought Wilfred was a fun-loving man. Ready for any hijinks Irene came up with. But in this one, we see a different side of Wilfred and his true feelings are revealed. Longing to tell Irene of his feelings he chickens out over and over again. He truly does not know where Irene stands regarding her feelings for him. In a rare moment of bravery, he kisses Irene, and everything changes.

Irene is shocked when she is kissed by Wilfred at first but begins to question everything, she thought she knew. When her brother gives Wilfred poor advice to make Irene jealous, everything turns upside down. Just when you think everything is going to turn out for the best, Michael steps in again and makes matters worse for his sister. But is it exactly what Irene and Wilfred need to set things straight. Only time will tell.

While I love this series, and I am still waiting for Maudes story, all the inner turmoil these two go through was a bit trying on me. I get they needed to think it through, but there could have been other plot devices to get these two to the alter. All in all, it is still a good story, but I'm still waiting for Maude's turn at love.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun, swoony Regency romance. Wilfred being hopelessly in love with Irene while she sees him as her safe, constant best friend was equal parts sweet and frustrating—in the best way. I wanted to gently shake both of them and also hug them at the same time. Wilfred's plans to make Irene jealous of course didn't go as planned, was emotionally chaotic, and extremely entertaining.
Irene’s confusion and possessiveness felt very real, and I loved watching her slowly realize that her feelings for Wilfred might not be as innocent as she’s always believed. Their late-night, slightly drunken conversation was a turning point I couldn’t stop smiling through, and the tension afterward was delicious. The misunderstandings stretch things out, but they never felt pointless—just very in character.
The Chance family chaos adds so much warmth and humor to the story. Sixteen cousins, opinions everywhere, and that lovely found-family feeling running through it all. It made the world feel full and lived-in, not just a backdrop for the romance.
Overall, this book delivers exactly what it promises: best friends to lovers, secret feelings, jealousy gone wrong, and plenty of steam, all wrapped up in a satisfying happily-ever-after. If you enjoy emotional slow burns with payoff and Regency romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this one is well worth the read.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review. 

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irene and Wilfred are the sweetest best friends ever. But poor, poor Wilfred is stuck trying to get across yomIrene that when he says “I love you” he means it in a romantic way, and he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. The scheme created by her brother, where Wilfred pretends to court another woman to get Irene’s attention simultaneously works and causes way more trouble than expected.

Irene and Wilf’s relationship is built up through small details. It’s the way they talk to each other, the way they need to share their days with one another, and their long history together of friendship and closeness that Murdoch uses to really convince the reader that these two belong together.

The sweet and charming nature of their relationship is complimented by the Christmas setting, and the way they Irene’s family already treats him like one of their own. This is a spicy and sweet romance, where the reader will absolutely believe that these two have been destined to be together since the day that they met as children.

The only thing that could have gotten that 5th star is more drama surrounding the “fake courting.”

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chance Would Be a Fine Thing is the tenth novel in the Chance family series, but it can be read as a standalone.

I enjoyed the premise of Irene and Wilfred being long time friends who are clearly in love while refusing to admit it to themselves. Irene’s growing confusion over her own jealousy and possessiveness was entertaining to watch, and Wilfred’s ill advised plan to make her jealous created some genuinely amusing moments. There were quite a few scenes that made me smile.

However, the misunderstandings between them went on for too long. Wilfred’s reluctance to be honest became frustrating rather than romantic, and the story dragged a bit in the middle as a result. I think this would have worked better as a novella, with a tighter focus on the emotional payoff.

The writing style itself was enjoyable and well suited to the story, and the found family dynamics within the wider Chance clan were a highlight. While this was not my favourite installment, I still enjoyed the book overall and will be checking out more of Emily M. K. Murdoch’s work.

Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the review copy. My opinions are my own!

[Alexandra G · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s nothing wrong with a bit of miscommunication, but in this case I just wanted to knock heads together. Multiple times. Irene & Wilfred have been best friends for two decades – 20 years! – they can read the other like an open book, and yet they still fail to communicate clearly and openly.

Orphaned at the age of 7, he was sort of adopted by her family and taken in like a second son. He’s head-over-heels for her, has been his entire life, never even noticed another female or felt the need to explore his manly urges.
Kind but self-centred, she’s so used to bossing him around, she never even stopped to think why he’s always hanging around – even after all these years.
And of course everybody else knew, and that’s why this duo get’s away with almost anything and nary a chaperone in sight.

Had this book been a novella, I could have handled it. But an entire novel of the same thing was a bit much – especially since once they do finally open up and love is declared, the very next mishap is once again miscommunication.

I enjoy this series very much, it’s a comfort read and I will happily continue reading every new sequel, but this one just wasn’t it for me.

[Cherie S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Family, Friends, Frustrating Romance:
This story revolves around Irene Chance a young girl with her head in the clouds and Wilford a young anxiety driven
man that is sweet and has always been in love with Irene.
There lies the problem. She is clueless and only sees a best friend. He really is a lap dog..
Waiting for Wilfred to stand his ground firmly was extremely frustrating for this reader.
This is a sweet story with two somewhat pampered characters.
We follow them through many ups and downs. He has always been in love with her, and it takes an
entire book for her to finally get it through her thick head just how much he loves her and she loves him.
Wow. A Happy Ever After Ending finally brings forth an end to this.story.
I must say it was my lest favorite so far
The series has been enjoyable overall.
👵Mature Advisory: 1+/5

[Pat Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be one of the most frustrating books l have read this year. Irene talks about how clueless people can be, but what she should have done is look in the mirror! Wilfred is such a gentle soul and cinnamon hero, one just wants to shake some sense into him. I understand the problem with best friends afraid to mess up their relationship, but the repetition of Irene’s thoughts got rather obnoxious. I adored when Michael could finally get some reaction out of Wilfred and was appalled when he got ostracized for something he didn’t do! All in all, a good story that will bring out your emotions (strongly, I might add) and that is a sign of a good author.

I received this story for free and these are my own views

[AnnMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into the story, but once I did, I couldn't read quickly enough to find out if the main characters, Wilfred and Irene, would end up with a believable happy ever after. I am pleased to say that they did.

There was a little repetition at one point where both main characters kept emphasising that they were just best friends. I admit that I think it was a little overdone, but that's just my opinion. I am sure it's exactly what the author believes was necessary.

I enjoyed the suspense building up to the couple's moving forward to a love match, and, when it did, the steam could have seeped through the pages. They certainly make up for all the time they wasted.

An enjoyable read with a nice opening to the next book in the series, which I look forward to reading.

[Isabela Gouvêa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a fan of friends-to-lovers romance, I find them more believable, the feelings more real. However, if there's something that gives me the heebies and the jeebies it's talk of brotherly affection when it comes to childhood friends. And boy does this book have it. Irene refers to Wilfred in familial/sibilings ways but at the same time says that she doesn't see him as a brother anymore. I don't know, it was confusing and unconfortable. Ignoring this aspect, the story was enjoyable, the romance sweet. The motivations where fible at times and the misunderstanding at the end quite silly, but alas. I still see potential in Murdoch's writing and will probably pick up the next in the series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to Lovers

A beautiful well written story full of love, tenderness, misunderstandings and two people who have grown up together, been best friends and love each other unconditionally.

Wilfred had loved Irene all his life in a passionate way, but Irene was taking a little longer to realize she loved him the same.

A fun read, sometimes a little slow in a good way but filled with so many wonderful moments, a little family interference and a chemistry they both cannot deny.

This author puts her heart and soul into every book she writes and this is felt throughout the storyline.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kathy Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

like I, you may end it a bit happily teary-eyed

Irene and Wilford are delightful. The plot is rather simple, but they’re both such fun characters that you don’t mind. They spend a lot of time misunderstanding each other and filled with angst, but when we’re in love and we don’t know truly how the other one feels, aren’t we all the same? Even when it may be just a passing infatuation; whereas, Irene & Wilford are best friends from childhood who have grown to realize they love each other.

Sex - none until towards the later quarter of the book. You can skip over it, as not really pertinent to their character or relationship development. No, I didn’t skip it.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wilfred has been in love with his good friend Irene for years. Irene, an independent Chance, has no idea. Wilfred succeeds in making her jealous when he is seen with a mysterious woman on his arm. This whole book is about Irene FINALLY realizing that they are both in love with each other. I think this should have been written as a short novella. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonbalde Publishing for my honest review

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical romance is part of a series about a very large family. I have read all of them so far and enjoyed them all. Our heroine this time gets very confused about her changing feelings for her best friend.
Our hero has always felt the same about her and is frustrated about not being able to get his message across.
An amusing story with lovely characters. I am looking forward to the next book.
Great fun.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the love story of Prudence and Jack.
Prudence forced when her father was murdered to seek help from a neighbour she meets Jack a government spy .
Unsure about the attraction each feel they come together to investigate the murder and as they do so become closer .
This story had lots of intrigue and drama. I really enjoyed reading and found I read it quickly
Both characters were strong and determined
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for my arc copy

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irene and Wilfred is my favorite Chance children's story so far! I adore their friendship. It is so cute and also becomes so jumbled in their communications as they realize their feelings for each other. Irene's father was my favorite brother in the first few stories, so maybe I'm biased. I greatly enjoyed how they care so much for each other as friends and how they want to protect each other. I'm so glad I got to read this story!

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this was not my favorite despite the premise being one I would normally enjoy. I attribute this to repetitive writing, a poorly fleshed out “jealously” plot line, a somewhat tedious third act separation, and too much attention on the couple without really setting up the scene or side characters enough. Felt like a poorly executed novella rather than a fleshed out novel.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilfred has been in love with his best friend Irene for years, they do everything together and rarely have a chaperone. Unfortunately Irene doesn’t seem to see him as anything other than a brother and a scheme to make her jealous and see him in a different light goes horribly wrong.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley. This is a fun series to read. There are more to come but in this story Wilfred and Irene have been the best of buddies since childhood, Now he has been in love with her and he is afraid of ruining everything. Then suddenly Irene realizes she loves Wilfred and she is afraid of ruining their relationship, what to do? This is a story where you wan to help them.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another series I love reading! The Chance family is always so fun and full of life. It's one of those series where you love the family enough to understand their interference and the dynamics of where the characters fit into the family structure. Great chemistry and steam between friends to lovers. Don't miss out on this family.

[Patricia G Young]

Fun read

The book was enjoyable because the characters for the most were entertaining. I did like the introduction of a family not afraid to break rules. I may have to back and read earlier books about this large family and it's challenge to rules of the era. The ending was predictable but the part Michael played in what looked like a disaster was also predictable.

[Renee Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irene has been friends with the Duke since childhood after the death of his parents, but was not able to see that he was in love with her. A story working through these issues and the nuances of her family. A great addition to the series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and leaving a review by my own choice.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series and getting to know the Chance family. In this one I felt it to be a little drawn out. The miscommunication went on too long for my liking. There were times that the MMC could have confessed his feelings and also times when the FMC should have realized her love for him. The brother only adds to the confusion by suggesting a way to make his sister jealous.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood friends to lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes, and to have it in one of my favorite series is even better. Chance Would Be A Fine Thing was such a sweet and charming love story between two best friends, Irene Chance and Wilfred Zouch. It's one of those love stories that are perfect when you're in a glum mood and you need something heartwarming to cheer you up.

Irene Chance is a daughter of Viscount Pernrith, the younger sister of Jessica Chance who was the main female character of book 9. She's been best friends with Wilfred Zouch, the Duke of Aynor, since they were children. Wilfred has been in love with Irene for many years but Irene has been shockingly blind to all of it. I suppose it could be frustrating to some readers but I decided to take it as humorous, both Irene's silliness and Wilfred's back and forth on whether or not he'd finally tell her. Once Irene became aware, not only that Wilfred loved her but that she loved him as well, it was the icing on the cake. A truly sweet story.

Thank you NetGalley & DragonBlade Publishing for the ARC. My reviews are my own honest opinions of what I have read.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was enjoyable, but not my favourite in the series.

[Brenda Geddes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely loved it