Review: "Taking Chances" by Loni Flowers

"Taking Chances"
Author: Loni Flowers
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 382
ISBN: 9781469184587
Source: Tour Host in exchange for a honest review.
Published: March 1, 2012 
Author's Website: http://www.loniflowersauthor.com/



Goodreads Blurb:
 At age twenty-three, Alex has had a hard life. His parents died when he was quite young, leaving his grandparents to raise him. Right before his high school graduation, his grandparents passed on too, leaving him all alone. After losing everyone he's ever loved, Alex turns to the streets in a self-destructive pattern until he finally ends up in Springhill, where he tries to make a new life for himself.

Clair’s childhood was normal until age thirteen, when her father left the family and she never heard from him again. Consequently, her mother went into a deep depression, forcing Clair to grow up quickly. After finishing high school, Clair’s heartache over her father’s absence as well as her unbearable mother drive her to strike out on her own. But having nowhere to go and no family to speak of, Clair wanders aimlessly from town to town, homeless, and without purpose. Looking for work wherever she goes and living hand to mouth on the streets is tough, Clair discovers, but living with her mother is worse.

Now twenty-one years old, Clair has found her way to the last place she and her family took their final vacation as a family--Springhill. While in town, she crosses paths with Alex and their ensuing relationship grows faster than expected. Soon Clair wonders if coming back to Springhill and meeting Alex was the best decision or the worst decision she ever made.

My Review:

An emotional, intense, romantic and gripping story that had my laughing, crying and holding onto my seat in suspense many times over. Even those who are not into contemporary romance will enjoy this wonderfully written story.

You never know until you try! When two people with struggling pasts come together and the attraction is undeniable, and also unwanted. What else could you do, but take a chance at what could be?

Clair is an amazingly strong independent woman, a woman that was forced to grow up at a young age. After her father left when she was just 13 everything at home went to hell in a hand basket. Having no choice but to become independent, she left her home, learned how to survive and traveled from town to town. When she gets into a very scary situation in Springhill and is saved by a very kind, warm hearted man named Alex things start to look up (or do they?)

Alex is also an independent and strong willed person who has had a hard life. He lost his parents at a young age, then his only family left (which were his grandparents). Alone and confused he is in self-destruct mode until he arrives in Springhill and meets some caring people that help him to get on the right path. Then he meets Clair and all he can think about is her and how he’s willing to take a chance.

Together Alex and Clair take a romantic journey and take the chance on one another. Both fear being hurt, left or mistreated. But they gradually learn that fate was on their side as soon as they decided the chance was worth taking.

I loved all of the characters. They each held such an amazingly realistic individuality and each one added a perfect touch to the feel of the story. My ultimate favorite was Roz. She loved to meddle and her meddling always seems to pay off :)

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