How do you survive the obstacles life keeps throwing you when you’ve loved one person for most of your life?You know you’re meant to be. You just know it in your bones.I had been in love with Eli since I was sixteen. He’s not just another hot guy in Pleasant Grove; he’s my asshole brother’s best friend. Eli always treated me differently than all the other girls he chased…but I wonder, even now, … wonder, even now, if I’ll just end up being another number to him.
But how will I make Eli see it when he has a past that has made it difficult to trust me enough to take a chance?
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This is an exceptionally well-written debut novel. I’m usually critical of romance novels when reading a new author, but the storyline sucked me right in. I love Eli and Charli, and can’t wait to see what else Tara does with her Pleasant Grove series.
“She is like a rare f*cking diamond that sparkled; elegant and graceful. One you look at from afar but never get close to.”
Taking Chances is a debut novel by author Tara Lee. The plot kept my interest and the pages of my kindle turning. The Pleasant Grove series is off to a good start. I’m already interested in so many characters and curious about their stories and books. I like how the author introduced many characters but still kept it focused on Eli and Charli. Taking Chances had many troupes I enjoy reading, brothers best friend, forbidden romance, childhood romance, and a haunted alpha. It was a slow burn that turned sizzling hot. The chemistry between the characters was completely smoking. I’ve never seen such insustainable characters. Eli and Charli was completely consumed with each other. After a rocky start with many hurdles and years lost. This couple was determined to make up for lost time.
“You make me crazy, insane crazy, I want to kiss you every second of the day and hold you in my arms. My heart neats so fast when you are around, it’s as if I can’t even control my own body when you’re near me.
Charli is one od those innocent characters to can’t help but like. She was young, naive, and in love. Eli had always held a special place in her heart. A few times I did however want to shake her character for being so blind and insecure. Charli grew on me over the book when she found her strength when she needed it the most.
“I grab Charli’s face and kiss her like she is all I need. Charli is all I need, every inch of her is all I’d ever need. All I ever wanted.”
Eli’a character was the definition of a gentlemen. He was possessive, passionate, and charming. He was haunted by his dark childhood past. His was one of them alphas you couldn’t help but be drawn to. So many times at the beginning you wanted to hate him for not taking a chance. By then end he had completely stolen your heart. Eli had me swooning so many times. I loved his dirty mouth. I definitely enjoyed Eli King!
*4 STARS*
This was such a pleasent read. I look forward to reading more books in the Pleasant Grove series. *I voluntarily read a advanced copy!*
I really enjoyed this story. This story had one of my favorite storylines; I’m a sucker for a brother’s best friend story, and this one delivered. This story was full of angst, but I absolutely loved watching Eli grow, heal a little, and accept Charli’s love.
There were some minor mistakes, but nothing that completely changed the story or the timeline. I cannot wait for more from these characters–both the main and the secondary ones.
This was a sweet book about charli and Eli! Eli didn’t think he was good enough for his best friends sister plus she’s a bro code but will his emotions win?
This was a good read for a brand new author. I just couldn’t really connect with the main characters. I though Eli was a jerk for most of the book. I get that he didn’t think he deserved Maddie because of his past but I didn’t like the back and forth he kept doing with her. One minute I want you, I need to protect you and in the next, he pushes her away and tells her that he’s not good for her but he watches her all the time and flirts with her. Talk about mixed messages… Maddie at least knew what she wanted and she wanted Eli but she was a doormat at the beginning and put up with way too much from him.
*3.5 – 4 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
Taking Chances is a great start to this series for Tara Lee and her debut novel. Whilst you can tell that this was written by a first time author, the storyline and all the ideas are there and play out as such. All the key elements are there.
In terms of the characters, to be honest I didn’t particularly like either one of them all that much, but it was still a story that I was curious to finish out and see where it would lead. Eli is a huge dick to Charlotte and she kind of just rolls with it and lets him get away with the way he treats her. Once things turn around, he’s much more of a sweetheart, albeit a little demanding to me at times.
Jensen, Charlotte’s brother, and some of the other secondary characters are definitely intriguing and I look forward to reading more about them. I believe we can also expect some of them to get their own books.
While this book had its twists and turns, its a fairly straightforward and easy read. I was not necessarily expecting the plot twist/angsty bit to be exactly what it was, as I was trying to work out whether or not the author was trying to throw us off with part of the storyline, and whether or not something big would come from it.
The plot moves quite fast in this, but overall its a great base for the storyline, and all authors have to start somewhere. I think this is a great start for Tara, and I look forward to seeing what else she brings to the table!
I really enjoyed reading this book and how the love between the main characters grow from the beginning till the end
Love these characters! I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for the next book. Settle down for a great read.
This lady never ceases to amaze me, this is her first book and man did she bring it, I love everything g about it, the way it made me feel, how it brought so many emotions out in me.
It’s a must read
Taking Chances is a great start to this series and for her debut novel. I can not wait to read more from this new author.
Eli and Charli was completely consumed with each other. After a rocky start with many hurdles and years lost. This couple was determined to make up for lost time.
I like how the author introduced many characters but still kept it focused on Eli and Charli. Jensen, Charlotte’s brother, and some of the other secondary characters are definitely intriguing and I look forward to reading more about them. I believe we can also expect some of them to get their own books.
Anyone looking to discover a new author- you won’t regret taking a chance on this read!
I loved Eli and Charli and really can’t wait to follow more from them. I can’t believe this is a debut novel it feels as though the author has been writing at least several books. If this is what she has to offer us on book one I’m excited for the future books. Well done for getting me hooked
I really don’t know how to write this review without being totally blunt. This book was awful. The storyline had potential, but it just descended into sex scenes and no plot. It was very repetitive and really wasn’t very sexy at all. On top of that the spelling and grammar were atrocious and it veered in and out of past and present tense, in the same sentence. I won’t be reading any more books by this author.