Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews 
 5 Stars 
 Once again I am blown away by the emotional depth of a New Adult novel. Taking Chances by Molly McAdams is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. It is the story of a young woman neglected her entire life by her Marine father who goes cross country to start college and begin her life. It's an amazing journey that will leave you devastated one moment and hopeful the next. There are so many life lessons this young woman must face, lessons she was denied learning at an earlier age; some are happy, some are fun, and some are so very tragic. After reading this book, you'll come away with the feeling that no matter what, life goes on. Your family is what you make it and forgiveness and second chances are sometimes all a person needs. 
 Harper hasn't had the best childhood. Her mother died giving birth to her and her father is emotionally and physically distant. He insists she call him Sir. She's been homeschooled her whole life and has been raised by the many Marines who have passed through her father's unit in her 18 years. She's made some good friends but she's never had any real life experiences. The decision to attend college across the U.S. is so she can finally begin to live her life. She just has no idea what life plans to hand her. 
 I truly feel for Harper because she grew up not knowing love, affection or having any kind of physical contact. So once she's thrust into social situations with people her own age she feels extremely out of place. In the space of a few days, she meets the two great loves of her life. I'd like to say because of how she was raised she is confused about love and intimacy and that's how she winds up loving two men, but that's not the case. I honestly believe that the situations that occur were simply meant to be. No matter how hard it was for her (and for us, the reader), everything happens for a reason. 
 First is Chase, her college roommate's brother. He's a typical man whore and he doesn't care that he has that reputation. He constantly seems to find a way to engage Harper in a battle of wits and wills. He is arrogant and of course the epitome of a bad boy. She's immediately attracted but she knows this isn't the guy for her. However, she feels an undeniable bond with him that she can't shake. Soon after, she meets Brandon and she's pretty well smitten. Brandon is a great guy and while she's attracted to him, she doesn't have the same feelings she gets when she's around Chase. However, Brandon treats her the way she wants to be treated and he's very good for her. 
 I found it really hard to not like all three of these characters. Harper because she was dealing with so many new experiences and emotions on a daily basis; she had to be on overload. Chase who could seem like such a jerk was really trying to do the right thing but there is no doubt he had real feelings for her. Brandon is a really great guy, that's not to say he didn't make some bad decisions but honestly they all did and that's expected when the characters are in their late teens and twenties. 
 What we have here is an epic love triangle of sorts. Harper and Brandon are a couple, they spend loads of time together and Brandon never pressures Harper for more than she's willing to give. Chase however is always there in the background and honestly not liking it. 
 Harper finds herself in love with both Chase and Brandon. She knows it's wrong and she has so many conflicting emotions about her situation. I don't want to ruin the story but I will say each of these young adults make decisions that alter their lives forever. They find themselves in situations that are not uncommon and while some things work out others end on a tragic note. Thankfully thy have a huge support system to help them deal with the fallout that occurs and I can't say enough good things about the supporting characters in this story. This story would not be half as good without them all. 
 Taking Chances is a gut wrenching novel that is not to be missed. I can guarantee you will laugh, you'll be up, you'll be down, and if you are anything like me you'll use half a box of tissue while reading it. It is not for the fainthearted, this book is from the school of hard knocks. You'll begin to think life is good and then wham; you are knocked backwards once again. It's addictive; I read it through the night and while I was sleep deprived the next day there was no way I could go to sleep not knowing how it ended. Yes, it is that good.