by Jennifer Dawson
Series: Something New, #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Gorgeous runaway brides. . .When Maddie Donovan runs out on her high school sweetheart moments before walking down the aisle, she ends up at a bar in the small town of Revival, Illinois, with only the wedding dress on her back, fifty dollars to her name, and her "good girl" reputation in tatters. Not ready to return to Chicago and face the music, she accepts hot bartender Mitch Riley's offer to stay at his place. But sharing such close quarters is driving Maddie insane with desire. Always drink for free. . . Mitch thinks he's seen it all—until Maddie strides into his bar in full wedding attire and downs three shots of whiskey. Though the gorgeous knockout seems tough as nails, he also senses her vulnerability. With a troubled past of his own, Mitch has no interest in ties of any kind—yet he can't help falling for Maddie. Now he's got to find a way to convince her to give love a second chance.
Take A Chance by Jennifer Dawson is the first in her Something New contemporary romance series, and each can be read as a standalone. If you remember back, in December I shared my thoughts on The Winner Takes It All by Jennifer Dawson and that I had not realized it was the second book. I bought Take A Chance immediately and thanks to Take Control I dug it out of my TBR pile and oh lordy am I glad I did. I have one-word for you folks: Mitch.
Coffee dates with Take A Chance
First Date: We meet Maddie Donovan as she is walking down a rural rode on the outskirts of Revival, Illinois. She is wearing a wedding dress and has blisters on her toes. A sign ahead says “BAR” and she is determined to make it there. Right away, I am curious about why she thinks she deserves the blisters on her feet. When she walks into the bar, she gets a little nervous. It caters to bikers and truckers, but standing behind the counter is Mitch Riley and Maddie and I have to lift our drooling jaws of the floor. Turns out Mitch owns the joint, and he takes one look at Maddie and realizes she is in trouble. Conversation, a little laughter and he impulsively decides to offer her a room for the night. Ooo things are about to get interesting and I am all in.
Second date: Well, well, well both Mitch and Maddie are not at all, as they appear. On the surface, she appears to be a good Catholic girl and Mitch a blue-collar hard working bar owner. Both are damaged by the past and fear. It was delightful watching these two interact. I giggled, shook my head and felt flutters of excitement at their growing attraction. Secondary characters are brilliant with snark and it is clear that both Maddie and Mitch have a strong network of family and friends. We slowly learn why Maddie ditched her groom and it felt genuine. We get some heat and it was intense, beautiful and hot.
Third date: I love Mitch, but he needs to let people in and seeing him realize how much Maddie has opened him up was heart-warming. Maddie is blooming, taking a stand and the more she does the more I adore her. I could totally see myself hanging out with them and their crazy friends. Dawson keeps the drama and angst low, with just enough to make my heart skip and have me reading non-stop. I love when a book gets me completely caught up and I lose track of time. Mitch made me swoon and while at times, I wanted to slap him on the back of the head, Gibb’s style (NCIS) he also made me melt into a puddle. I closed this book with a satisfied smile on my face.
Take a Chance was a delicious, feel good romance and I totally recommend the Something New series.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Cindy
I enjoyed your review of this book. I really enjoy your blog, you are an inspiration to me , I am a newbie book review blogger and would love to participate in your Sunday Meme but I still need to figure out how to do it:) Your blogger tips and tricks have been a huge help to me so thank you so much!
Best Regards
Cindy
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Cindy. I have been away on vacation but so glad you are enjoying the blog. We would love to have you link up for the Sunday Post. Instructions are here: http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/the-sunday-post-meme If you have more questions please feel free to contact me.
Trish
Sounds like a lot of fun and Mitch makes it a must read!
Terri
Sounds like just the type of book I’ve been looking for, as I love a good romance, complete with snark! Like the way you formatted this review. Very clever!
Jess
So glad you went back and read the first book in the series and enjoyed it so much! Yeah! Sounds like a great read. I love the bouquet of flowers on the cover. 🙂
Angela Adams
“Maddie and I have to lift our drooling jaws of the floor” — great image. Thanks for the post!
Sophia Rose
Yessss, I love when a hero strikes me dumb that way. And I love the engaging first scene of a gal hitching it down the road in her wedding gown looking for a bar. You sold me, Kimberly!
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
This really sounds like a good read…I can just picture her trudging down a dirt road in her wedding dress!
Katherine
This sounds good! I love when characters come into their own and watching a relationship build. Another one on the TBR!
Rashika
I cracked up a little at your first date with the book. I mean a girl who has blisters on her toes and is in a wedding dress out in the middle of nowhere is probably in trouble *dies*
Oh Mitch 😛
I am glad you enjoyed this book, Kimba! 😀
Lovely review! 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
Ha! Gibbs style smack. 🙂 I know those kinds of characters. They are fun and frustrating. LOL You know I love a book that gets you all caught up in it. This sounds like a total WIN.
Debbie Haupt
Ok my pretty book pusher. I’m getting it! 🙂
lily
Awe, laughs and romance in one? Yup sign me up!
Tyler H. Jolley
The first sentence of the blurb could be the opening scene from the Friends pilot! It sounds like a great read!
Heidi
I am all about the snark and hiliarity. I have read way too many serious books lately and I really need something light and fun.
Ramona
I love feel-good romances, particularly when the characters “soften” and let people in gradually. They make you feel like you’ve won a victory in the end, when finally all is well 😀 Really good review, Kimba.
Anna
We can never have enough feel good books. I’m looking forward to them. 🙂
Anna from Elements of Writing
Sheila (Book Journey)
This looks like a fun read!
Karen
This is totally my kind of book! *adds to list*
Karen @For What It’s Worth
Laurel-Rain Snow
Sounds like fun! Thanks for sharing…I love the way you took us into the heart of the book…slowly revealing the layers.
Jenny
One of these days I’m going to walk into a random dive bar and find the hottest guy ever waiting for me. Sorry husband, I love you, but I need to experience a romance meet cute like this 😉 MUST MEET MITCH KIM!
kindlemom1
I must meet this Mitch. 😛
Great review Kim, glad you dug this one out and it was a winner!
Nick
You know how much I enjoyed the 2nd book, so I NEED to read this one, Kim! I love the sound of the character development and I can’t wait to get to know these two love birds better. But I’m more excited for the next book. That brother seems like he has something up his butt, and you know how much I love those kinds of heroes! LOL! Should be fun!
Lovely review, Kim!
Benish
I like the sound of the character Mitch, you have me curious now – wonderful review.
blodeuedd
Looks and sounds nice 🙂
Melliane
Oh it sounds like a good romance and with your review I’m already loving Maddie and Mitch! Good job lol! I didn’t know about this this so I’m curious! Great review!