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Taking a Chance
TAKING A CHANCE is a fun romantic comedy novella!
Liza Parker has a fear of heights, crowds and small spaces. So what’s a girl like her doing on a crowded elevator going to the top of the Empire State Building? Freaking out, that’s what she’s doing.
Enter Jay Sanders, a tourist who thinks he might be able to help Liza face her fears, but she has to be willing to spend the day with a complete stranger. Maybe taking a chance on Jay is just what Liza needs.
**This novella is approximately 15,000 words**
Liza Parker has a fear of heights, crowds and small spaces. So what’s a girl like her doing on a crowded elevator going to the top of the Empire State Building? Freaking out, that’s what she’s doing.
Enter Jay Sanders, a tourist who thinks he might be able to help Liza face her fears, but she has to be willing to spend the day with a complete stranger. Maybe taking a chance on Jay is just what Liza needs.
**This novella is approximately 15,000 words**
47 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2016
198 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Becky Monson
22 books1,290 followersBy day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. In her debut novel, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last... but it probably won't.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
October 30, 2017
This was a fascinating short romance story because it's structured differently than most of similar size. So much has to happen for two people to form a romantic connection that most short romance stories depict the culmination. Which is why so many short-form romances are second-chance or friends-to-lovers stories. This story shows that all you really need is to cover the change or choice in a way that the reader can trust will work out in the end.
This story shows the day two strangers meet and spend together in New York City. It's a long day and they do things that are emotionally meaningful, but in the end it's still a single day. i.e. way too short to legitimately fall in love. What happens here, though, is that we get two people who fall in interest. And it's perfect because the reader can see how compatible they are and showing that spark and the deep connection they form is enough to build the idea of the rest of that story into the future from that very strong starting point.
It helps, of course, that Liza's perspective is that strong narrative voice that Monson excels at. It's chatty and self-deprecating and her heroine is a big old scaredy-cat so I'm sure it'll grate on some readers. For those of us who can just enjoy the humor and semi-self-conscious flow, though, it's a great deal of fun. Or, at least, it is for me.
Anyway, this is a solid five stars and I'm really glad I thought to take a chance on Monson's shorter work. I'm enjoying exploring her stories and hope they all are of this caliber.
A note about Chaste: It's one day. An amazing kiss and lots of emotional connection and it was exactly right for this story, I think.
This story shows the day two strangers meet and spend together in New York City. It's a long day and they do things that are emotionally meaningful, but in the end it's still a single day. i.e. way too short to legitimately fall in love. What happens here, though, is that we get two people who fall in interest. And it's perfect because the reader can see how compatible they are and showing that spark and the deep connection they form is enough to build the idea of the rest of that story into the future from that very strong starting point.
It helps, of course, that Liza's perspective is that strong narrative voice that Monson excels at. It's chatty and self-deprecating and her heroine is a big old scaredy-cat so I'm sure it'll grate on some readers. For those of us who can just enjoy the humor and semi-self-conscious flow, though, it's a great deal of fun. Or, at least, it is for me.
Anyway, this is a solid five stars and I'm really glad I thought to take a chance on Monson's shorter work. I'm enjoying exploring her stories and hope they all are of this caliber.
A note about Chaste: It's one day. An amazing kiss and lots of emotional connection and it was exactly right for this story, I think.
February 23, 2018
Such a cute, witty and very humorous book with plenty of sweet and swoony moments. I was laughing out loud more times than I could keep track of. Liza has plenty of spunk and her personality shines through. Her insecurities, her sorrows, her lack of confidence, all to be laid at the reader's feet as we watch her in the first few moments completely fall apart. She should turn around and back out, but she made a promise and she's doing her best to fulfill it. She's trying to take a chance and as she does, she is rescued by Jay.
Jay was great! He takes a chance as well and reaches out to help this lady falling to pieces in the elevator heading up to the top of the Empire State Building. With dad jokes abounding, he is able to help calm her worries only to have her racing off, away from him. When he chances to follow her and offer to help her overcome part of her fears, she agrees. Completely shocking herself along the way.
It's a short, quick insta-like. But I enjoyed it a lot. It's written in a way that most readers who aren't fans of insta-love will be ok with. There's not some profusion of love by the end but the possibility for them to continue on. I loved their building friendship and trust that was built. I was searching to see if the author continued their story in a full length novel, because the ending leaves it open for that. She hasn't yet, but here's my shout out for it...Becky Monson please write us more of Liza and Chance. Please, please, please. I loved them!
Content: Clean, a couple kisses and a couple mild swear words.
This was a kindle freebie snag for me.
Happy Reading!!!
Jay was great! He takes a chance as well and reaches out to help this lady falling to pieces in the elevator heading up to the top of the Empire State Building. With dad jokes abounding, he is able to help calm her worries only to have her racing off, away from him. When he chances to follow her and offer to help her overcome part of her fears, she agrees. Completely shocking herself along the way.
It's a short, quick insta-like. But I enjoyed it a lot. It's written in a way that most readers who aren't fans of insta-love will be ok with. There's not some profusion of love by the end but the possibility for them to continue on. I loved their building friendship and trust that was built. I was searching to see if the author continued their story in a full length novel, because the ending leaves it open for that. She hasn't yet, but here's my shout out for it...Becky Monson please write us more of Liza and Chance. Please, please, please. I loved them!
Content: Clean, a couple kisses and a couple mild swear words.
This was a kindle freebie snag for me.
Happy Reading!!!
February 21, 2018
Loved it! Liza's fears were palpable as well as her emotional grief for her sister. I loved the way Jay connected with her and befriended her- such a sweet, good guy! Liza's inner dialogue was pretty funny, self-aware, and self-deprecating. I was glad to see that she realized the risks of trusting a stranger, and her radar is present as they enjoy their time together in New York City. I especially enjoyed the setting since I got to visit there for the first time a couple years ago and it made the story easy to visualize- and wish I could hop on a plane and go back! I loved how Jay and Liza's chemistry sparks as they progress to attempting greater heights in the city. A great little novella and one I'll be reading again when I need to vicariously travel ;)
March 8, 2018
See how many pages are in this book? That right there scared me a little bit because it's very tricky to get a full story out in just 52 pages. I'm usually left wanting for more, but guess what?! I was totally surprised to find myself laughing, tearing up, and swooning in this short, but sweet, romantic comedy. I felt like the story was complete and I finished feeling satisfied.
We're basically given a funny/punny guy, a nervous and fearful girl, and lots of elevators in NYC. What are the chances (haha) that things would work out for such a perfect day with that combination? Well, let me tell you that this one is perfect for a little snippet of an escape and I loved the wit, humor, sparks, connections, characters, and overall story line. Yes, this is a pretty instant attraction, but it's not the insta-love that has people rolling their eyes. I could feel the attraction and the butterfly feeling in the pit of my stomach, with endless possibilities on the horizon. Becky Monson has a talent for telling a tale!
Content: very mild language; mild romance
We're basically given a funny/punny guy, a nervous and fearful girl, and lots of elevators in NYC. What are the chances (haha) that things would work out for such a perfect day with that combination? Well, let me tell you that this one is perfect for a little snippet of an escape and I loved the wit, humor, sparks, connections, characters, and overall story line. Yes, this is a pretty instant attraction, but it's not the insta-love that has people rolling their eyes. I could feel the attraction and the butterfly feeling in the pit of my stomach, with endless possibilities on the horizon. Becky Monson has a talent for telling a tale!
Content: very mild language; mild romance
December 5, 2016
This is a super quick read- a novella on the shorter side. It's also so very cute and it made me smile. Especially the lines like this- "My giddy hormones giggle inside my stomach. Down, ladies." ha. This book is filled with lines like this. This is also the second book I've read this week involving an elevator. :)
Content: Clean
Kindle unlimited
Content: Clean
Kindle unlimited
March 24, 2018
4.5 stars for this sweet novella. Becky Monson sure packed a lot of story into only 52 pages.
Liza Parker has a few fears, one if which is a fear of heights. Because of her sister's bucket list she's going to the top of the Empire State Building where she meets Jay Sanders, who's only in town because of a layover. He helps Liza face her fear of heights, and they end up spending the rest of the day together. Jay helps Liza face some of her fears as she tries to cross things off of her deceased sister's bucket list.
I totally understood Liza's fear of heights because I have the same fear, except you won't find me on my way to the top of the Empire State Building EVER! She takes a chance trusting Jay, and has a great day (and some swoony kisses). I really liked this novella and would like a follow up on Liza and Jay.
Liza Parker has a few fears, one if which is a fear of heights. Because of her sister's bucket list she's going to the top of the Empire State Building where she meets Jay Sanders, who's only in town because of a layover. He helps Liza face her fear of heights, and they end up spending the rest of the day together. Jay helps Liza face some of her fears as she tries to cross things off of her deceased sister's bucket list.
I totally understood Liza's fear of heights because I have the same fear, except you won't find me on my way to the top of the Empire State Building EVER! She takes a chance trusting Jay, and has a great day (and some swoony kisses). I really liked this novella and would like a follow up on Liza and Jay.
February 26, 2018
What a fun read!! I loved the dad jokes, Jay, Liza's fears! The end gave me goosebumps!
Recommend it to everyone. It's a short read!!💞
Recommend it to everyone. It's a short read!!💞
September 6, 2017
This was such a sweet read! Liza is trying to go to the top of the Empire State building but is stopped by her own panic. She runs into Jay, a stranger on the elevator, who decides to try to help her. One by one, he helps her conquer greater and greater heights as the two of them tour New York City.
I love stories about New York City, my hometown, and I feel this book did it justice. I loved the connection between Jay and Liza, and I felt that, as usual for Becky Monson, the protagonist's personality jumped off the page. I thought the ending was sweet and perfect. It's a story that I read in one sitting, but I'll be thinking about it for a while after.
I love stories about New York City, my hometown, and I feel this book did it justice. I loved the connection between Jay and Liza, and I felt that, as usual for Becky Monson, the protagonist's personality jumped off the page. I thought the ending was sweet and perfect. It's a story that I read in one sitting, but I'll be thinking about it for a while after.
January 21, 2021
4.25 stars!
God this book was so sweet. I think the whole complete a dead persons bucket list is a good, sweet way to homage them.
This was very insta-lovey, but! There was really not much of it in the book if it makes sense? Mostly because it's a 50 page book but also because they were a lot focused on doing the task.
I've only read two Becky Monson books but I have to ask... why is she always sending L.I.'s to London???
Overall a super quick, easy read - for the shortness. Although if you have phobias and really extreme anxiety, so does the main character and I don't know if that affects the readers?
Would (and have!) reccomend reading this book!
God this book was so sweet. I think the whole complete a dead persons bucket list is a good, sweet way to homage them.
This was very insta-lovey, but! There was really not much of it in the book if it makes sense? Mostly because it's a 50 page book but also because they were a lot focused on doing the task.
I've only read two Becky Monson books but I have to ask... why is she always sending L.I.'s to London???
Overall a super quick, easy read - for the shortness. Although if you have phobias and really extreme anxiety, so does the main character and I don't know if that affects the readers?
Would (and have!) reccomend reading this book!
July 10, 2025
A cute novella about a chance meeting at the Empire State Building.
July 16, 2018
Short and sweet, this little novella relies heavily on the chemistry between its two main characters. And it surely delivers! From their initial meeting and throughout their one day together each of them slowly opens up to the other and begins to find an understanding heart. Finding Liza's bravery makes for a cute and adventurous day for the two and the slow buildup to the final pages felt very natural. We leave them at a place of beginning and leave me with a smile on my face! Super cute. :)
December 4, 2016
Cute!
Liza is afraid of heights, and enclosed spaces, and crowds. Still, she goes to New York to ride to the top of the Empire State Building to complete her sister's bucket list.
Jay Sanders helps her through her elevator fear with charm, and very cheesy jokes. What follows is a fun tour of New York City as Liza and Jay get to know each other and help conquer some of her fears.
This was a short, but cute story. I would love to hear more about Liza and Jay. I loved the humor (the witty one-liners and the cheesy puns). I loved Jay's patience with Liza.
Just read it!
Content: clean (some kissing, a few mild curse words: d and h)
Liza is afraid of heights, and enclosed spaces, and crowds. Still, she goes to New York to ride to the top of the Empire State Building to complete her sister's bucket list.
Jay Sanders helps her through her elevator fear with charm, and very cheesy jokes. What follows is a fun tour of New York City as Liza and Jay get to know each other and help conquer some of her fears.
This was a short, but cute story. I would love to hear more about Liza and Jay. I loved the humor (the witty one-liners and the cheesy puns). I loved Jay's patience with Liza.
Just read it!
Content: clean (some kissing, a few mild curse words: d and h)
June 3, 2017
A sweet contemporary novella, “Taking a Chance” ends much too soon!
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 22, 2018
Very cute
set-aside
February 19, 2020Well, this author certainly has an ear and flair for comedy. Not many amusing reads move me past smiling to actually laughing, but this one did.
Even so, as I read through the first half, the heroine's inward self-deprecation was constant enough for me to need something more positive about her to balance her out. And with much of the story being driven by dialogue (which is a good thing!), the frequent use of "he says" and "I say" was repetitive and unnecessary.
Also, the book has many errors, including slips like "the United State" and "bunging jumping," but there are also errors in capitalization and punctuation, especially coming in and out of the dialogue. I made it more than halfway through the novella and decided not to continue.
But again, this new-to-me author is laugh-out-loud funny, and the cover of this romantic comedy is mega-cute and on point.
Even so, as I read through the first half, the heroine's inward self-deprecation was constant enough for me to need something more positive about her to balance her out. And with much of the story being driven by dialogue (which is a good thing!), the frequent use of "he says" and "I say" was repetitive and unnecessary.
Also, the book has many errors, including slips like "the United State" and "bunging jumping," but there are also errors in capitalization and punctuation, especially coming in and out of the dialogue. I made it more than halfway through the novella and decided not to continue.
But again, this new-to-me author is laugh-out-loud funny, and the cover of this romantic comedy is mega-cute and on point.
May 24, 2021
4.5* Stop, this book had no business being so adorable considering how short it was!!! It was quick and easy, and I honestly could not stop giggling.
I loved Jay!!! How he helped Liza through her anxiety attacks, always cracking the worst dad jokes to distract her. How he made it his mission to help her overcome (or at least be more confidant whilst facing) her fear of heights, even though at first it was only an excuse to spend the day with her. Everything was just too sweet!!!!
"Jay had a spectacular smile. It doesn't just go to his eyes — it's like it goes all the way to the sky."
And that almost kiss AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!! It's a shame this is just a novella, because I would love to see more of Jay and Liza's relationship, as well and her going through Elena's bucket list.
I loved Jay!!! How he helped Liza through her anxiety attacks, always cracking the worst dad jokes to distract her. How he made it his mission to help her overcome (or at least be more confidant whilst facing) her fear of heights, even though at first it was only an excuse to spend the day with her. Everything was just too sweet!!!!
"Jay had a spectacular smile. It doesn't just go to his eyes — it's like it goes all the way to the sky."
And that almost kiss AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!! It's a shame this is just a novella, because I would love to see more of Jay and Liza's relationship, as well and her going through Elena's bucket list.
July 17, 2018
What a fun novella! I LOVED the concept of the story - Liza's bucket list. They have a "chance" meeting when Liza is trying to go to the top of the Empire State Building and look over. She is panicking all the way up and it's not looking good.
Jay sees what's going on and tries his best to help her accomplish her goal, it doesn't happen.
But he does realize that he can help her and they take a tour of the city and the ending is adorable!
Jay sees what's going on and tries his best to help her accomplish her goal, it doesn't happen.
But he does realize that he can help her and they take a tour of the city and the ending is adorable!
February 27, 2018
Short but very good read!
This novella can easily be read in an hour, but I thought it was very well done. In such a short time it's often hard to put so much characterization and build-up into a story, but the author does it splendidly.
This novella can easily be read in an hour, but I thought it was very well done. In such a short time it's often hard to put so much characterization and build-up into a story, but the author does it splendidly.
March 9, 2018
Cute novella about a girl conquering her fear of elevators/heights because of her sister's challenge. The characters are so sweet and real and likable. It was short, but fun!
February 20, 2020
(4.5 stars)
This was such a cute romance with all the fun, flirty feels. I only wish it was longer!
This was such a cute romance with all the fun, flirty feels. I only wish it was longer!
May 31, 2020
This was a very short, but cute novella. Easily read in a couple of hours.
December 29, 2021
Very cute short story and cheesy dad jokes as bonus entertainment!
June 4, 2021
This was much shorter than I was expecting, but it was extremely cute. A great start to a romance book but I wish we had more. I wanted to know more about our main characters and the reason behind her so many phobias and know our main romantic interest.
This is definitely a meet-cute short story worth reading.
This is definitely a meet-cute short story worth reading.
August 24, 2025
Please give us more of this story!
January 16, 2017
Eliza (Liza) Parker feels like she is crumbling within herself, riding in an elevator within the Empire State Building. Absolutely terrified of elevators and heights, Liza feels her chest tighten as it becomes more and more difficult to breathe. The kindness of a stranger, Jay Sanders, pulls Liza out of the mental quicksand which is drowning her, enabling her to make her way to the top. Only in town for one day during a stopover to London, Jay is determined to see the city, while helping his new friend overcome her debilitating fear of heights and closed in spaces. When he learns of Liza’s reasons for trying to conquer her fears, doing things she would otherwise never do, his heart sinks, but he is all the more determined to free Liza from her agoraphobic prison. As the day moves on, not only does Liza feel more and more liberated, but she also finds herself falling for her volunteer therapist.
As a long-time sufferer of Agoraphobia with Panic Disorder, I was easily able to empathize with and relate to Liza during her terrifying ride to the top of the Empire State Building. A person who suffers from severe and crippling anxiety disorders doesn’t experience situations normally, instead finding themselves thinking about the worst possible case scenario that could happen if disaster were to strike. Becky Monson’s descriptions of the mortifying sensations which go through an Agoraphobic’s mind and body are right on the money, showing that the author has either has experienced it first hand, or is very close to somebody who experiences panic attacks on a regular basis. With the use of distraction – a technique which can take an Agoraphobic’s mind off the situation they find themselves in – the visual images created within the mind change from disturbing to pleasant, sometimes taking away the feeling of panic completely. Although I suffer from extreme phobias, I will most definitely be reading this book again, not only due to the wonder of the unusual romance which takes place inside the story, but also as a way to help me relax my mind, even if just being able to see the world through Liza and Jay’s eyes. Taking a Chance is a quick read, filled with fun and humor, while tackling the sensitive issue of anxiety and panic in public places. I recommend this book to readers over the age of 12 years who enjoy a good romance novel, especially if they are plagued with irrational fears which they wish to rid themselves of.
- Rosie Malezer for Readers’ Favorite
As a long-time sufferer of Agoraphobia with Panic Disorder, I was easily able to empathize with and relate to Liza during her terrifying ride to the top of the Empire State Building. A person who suffers from severe and crippling anxiety disorders doesn’t experience situations normally, instead finding themselves thinking about the worst possible case scenario that could happen if disaster were to strike. Becky Monson’s descriptions of the mortifying sensations which go through an Agoraphobic’s mind and body are right on the money, showing that the author has either has experienced it first hand, or is very close to somebody who experiences panic attacks on a regular basis. With the use of distraction – a technique which can take an Agoraphobic’s mind off the situation they find themselves in – the visual images created within the mind change from disturbing to pleasant, sometimes taking away the feeling of panic completely. Although I suffer from extreme phobias, I will most definitely be reading this book again, not only due to the wonder of the unusual romance which takes place inside the story, but also as a way to help me relax my mind, even if just being able to see the world through Liza and Jay’s eyes. Taking a Chance is a quick read, filled with fun and humor, while tackling the sensitive issue of anxiety and panic in public places. I recommend this book to readers over the age of 12 years who enjoy a good romance novel, especially if they are plagued with irrational fears which they wish to rid themselves of.
- Rosie Malezer for Readers’ Favorite
March 19, 2018
I love it when Amazon offers books for free by authors that I already know and love. That was the case with this one.
This one is a novella, it's super short and easily readable in one afternoon. I like that you can finish this type of book quickly, but sometimes it seems as though you don't get enough plot or character development in them. That's kind of the case with this one. I liked the plot and the characters, but I just wanted more.
I liked Liza. She's a young woman who deals with a lot of anxieties, her sister gave her a list of things to do as her dying wish. That's how she meets Jay. Liza is trying to get to the top of the Empire State building, but it's just hard. I love the way that Jay notices that and works to help Eliza get to the top.
But that's not all...when Liza can't force herself to look over the edge, he takes it upon himself to help her overcome her fears once and for all. I loved Jay and the way he notices everything about Liza and is unwilling not to help her.
This one's clean, there are a few mild swear words that you might want to be aware of before reading. The author did a great job making the plot of this one light and fun! I loved the sweet romance in this short novella.
This one is a novella, it's super short and easily readable in one afternoon. I like that you can finish this type of book quickly, but sometimes it seems as though you don't get enough plot or character development in them. That's kind of the case with this one. I liked the plot and the characters, but I just wanted more.
I liked Liza. She's a young woman who deals with a lot of anxieties, her sister gave her a list of things to do as her dying wish. That's how she meets Jay. Liza is trying to get to the top of the Empire State building, but it's just hard. I love the way that Jay notices that and works to help Eliza get to the top.
But that's not all...when Liza can't force herself to look over the edge, he takes it upon himself to help her overcome her fears once and for all. I loved Jay and the way he notices everything about Liza and is unwilling not to help her.
This one's clean, there are a few mild swear words that you might want to be aware of before reading. The author did a great job making the plot of this one light and fun! I loved the sweet romance in this short novella.
February 22, 2018
A quick, cute read
May 7, 2020
Liza Parker has a fear of heights, among other things, which is strange because she's on an elevator heading to the top of the Empire State Building. Oh, did I mention she's freaking out? Jay Sanders, a tourist who happens to be on the elevator, decides to attempt to help this sad stranger. The catch? She'll have to spend the day in New York City with a complete stranger. Should she take a chance on him?
I got this book for free on Amazon back in February. It was a book by an author I hadn't heard of before, and I decided to take a chance (😉) on it. This was fun! It only took me really about two hours to finish, but so much happened in those two hours of reading. The characters were well-developed and I was invested in their story. I'd be happy to read more about this pairing. Perfectly fun, short romcom!
I got this book for free on Amazon back in February. It was a book by an author I hadn't heard of before, and I decided to take a chance (😉) on it. This was fun! It only took me really about two hours to finish, but so much happened in those two hours of reading. The characters were well-developed and I was invested in their story. I'd be happy to read more about this pairing. Perfectly fun, short romcom!
March 28, 2021
A sweet novella about a girl trying to fulfill her sisters wishes / bucket list but suffers from a couple of phobias, heights being one of them. When she makes a trip to the city to go to the top of the Empire State Building to tick off her first item, she can’t go through with it. Jay helps her through the elevator ride and tries to distract her from her fears. He makes plans to take her sightseeing with him for the day, as well as helping her overcome her anxiety. She just needs to take a chance. It’s only seven chapters long, so a great before bed story.
April 15, 2021
This was a realy cute story!!
I chose this rating because the story was overall very cute, but, in my opinion, would have been more satisfying if it had been longer. If it had continued from where it ended, I definitally would have given it a. higher rating.
Now, to be fair, I don't know what the Author's situation was when she ended the story,or why she ended it at that particular point. All I know is that I was really enjoying it, and suddenly it ended. Almost a shock to my system, if you know what I mean.
I really enjoy her writing, but, not as much this time.
I chose this rating because the story was overall very cute, but, in my opinion, would have been more satisfying if it had been longer. If it had continued from where it ended, I definitally would have given it a. higher rating.
Now, to be fair, I don't know what the Author's situation was when she ended the story,or why she ended it at that particular point. All I know is that I was really enjoying it, and suddenly it ended. Almost a shock to my system, if you know what I mean.
I really enjoy her writing, but, not as much this time.
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