Interview, Review and Giveaway. Molly McAdams, Taking Chances.

 

Eighteen year old Harper has grown up under her career Marine of a father's thumb. Ready to live life her own way and experience things she's only ever heard of from the jarheads in her father's unit; she's on her way to college at San Diego State University.

Thanks to her new roommate, Harper is introduced to a world of parties, gorgeous guys, family and emotions. Some she wasn't expecting yet, and others she never knew she was missing.

She finds herself being torn in two as she quickly falls in love with her boyfriend Brandon, and her roommate's brother Chase. Covered in tattoos, known for fighting in the Underground and ridiculously muscled...they're exactly what she was always warned to stay away from, but just what she needs. Despite their dangerous looks and histories, both adore and would do anything for Harper, including stepping back if it means she's happy.

Her first year away is turning out to be near perfect, but one weekend of giving in to heated passion will change everything.

 

 

Move over Nicholas Sparks, here comes Molly McAdams!  I loved this book, devoured it in one 8 hour setting, up until 4AM, walking into walls while trying to read and walk at the same time.  It's a very poignant novel that redefines the term "what if".  What would you do if your life was turned upside down and torn apart?  What if happiness presented itself to you again  as a familiar stranger?  Would you take a chance?

 

Having lived a sheltered life as a military brat, Harper has moved away from home for college.  She immediately grabs a best friend, meets not one but two HAWT young men and almost as quickly falls in love. This story centers around Harper, Chase and Brandon in a love triangle the likes of which I've never read.  What will happen when Harper falls in love with both men?  Drama and heartache ensue; as well as love, understanding and bonds that are not easily broken.  

 

These characters have a depth to them that will break your heart, as both men fall in love with Harper and both are just as willing to walk away as long as she's happy.  McAdams delivers a fantastic novel with a realistic storyline that will keep you entranced until the very end.  She perfectly balances the heartache with love, and even though there is some mysery, there is triumph as well.  I really loved how McAdams pulled me into her story and I felt invested in these characters.  This book will have you laughing one minute, then crying, then laughing again.  In the literary world that seems to cater to paranormal as of late, it's refreshing to read this tragically beautiful lovestory, that truely does have a happy ending. In the end Harper learns that life is all about Taking Chances. 

 

If you like Nicholas Sparks you'll love Molly McAdams.

 

I give this one 5/5 if I could, I'd give it 10, but that's just my two cents.

 

 

 

 

Author of Taking Chances & From Ashes. Master of movie quote battles and lover of fried pickles...tornados? Not so much!  Grew up in California but now live in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with my husband and furry daughter. Some of my hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling and long walks on the beach…which roughly translates to being a homebody with the hubby and dishing out movie quotes. When I'm not at work, I can be found hiding out in my bedroom surrounded by my laptop, cell, Kindle and fighting over the TV remote. I have a weakness for crude-humored movies, fried pickles and love curling up in a fluffy comforter during a thunderstorm...or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way I can pretend they aren't really happening.

 

I can't say enough good things about this book, I had to take the time to visit with the author of this fantastic story.  Here is my quick Q&A with Molly McAdams author of Taking Chance...

 

 

*For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; Taking Chances, how would you introduce it?

It's a story about a sheltered girl, Harper, that grew up with only her father, a career Marine. She leaves for college and with the help of her new roommate, Bree, she is introduced to boys, parties, and what life with a real family is like. She quickly falls in love with her boyfriend, Brandon; and Bree's brother, Chase. Whom also happens to be Brandon's housemate. Harper is torn in two as her love for each guy grows, and after one night of giving in to heated passion, changes all of their lives, forever.

*Where were you born and where do you call home?

 I was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA; and for the last 4.5 years I've been living in Austin, TX.

*What was your inspiration for Taking Chances?

Actually, it was a dream I had! All of my books come from different dreams that I've had. Every now and then, I'll have incredibly vivid dreams, the kind where I can't stop thinking about it for days at a time! I usually type up the dream in an email, send it to myself and try to forget it. But every time I find myself wondering what would have happened if I hadn't woken up when I did, and what could have happened before the dream started

*What are the Pro’s and Con’s to being an Indie Author?

Pro: You work at your own pace and publish at your own pace. You get more royalties from your books and get paid more often.

Con: You don't have the backup and support of a publishing house. It's harder to get your books in print and in stores. You have to do all your own marketing and publicity.

*What was the first thing you did when you got the news your book was being published?

When my agent and I decided to take the offer from HarperCollins, I really wish I could say I did something amazing or fun. But really I just sat there in shock for about three hours. I remember my boss and my family all asking: Aren't you so excited!? And I was but all I could seem to do was sit there with wide eyes, dropped jaw, and nod my head. HAHA.

*Whom in your life would you say has influenced you the most with writing?

 I wouldn't say there was any one person I can think of that influenced me. I started doing this for me, just to get the stories out of my head. Deciding to publish came once I already had Taking Chances completed and it was just my husband and myself that really knew about it. BUT there are a few authors that have really been there for me when I had questions and I am so grateful for them: Jillian Dodd, Teresa Mummert and A.L. Jackson. THANK YOU LADIES!

*What has been the most interesting comment (or review) about your book?

HA! ohhhhh dear. Interesting? Um, I had a couple people tell me I was seriously disturbed for having Harper and her dad have a Dom/sub relationship. I remember just going WHAT?! WHOA - JUST….WHAT!?!?! I guess the fact that she calls him "sir" didn't fly well with a few avid BDSM readers. But it wasn't like that at all! Harper's dad is a career Marine. His Marines would only refer to him as "Sir" or his rank…it's a term of respect, and with the way Harper was raised, it's natural for her to only be allowed to call him what his Marines called him. I do have to say the best comment I've gotten was a reader telling me Taking Chances was the best heartache she'd ever had.

*Who is YOUR favorite Author?

I unfortunately don't have just 1. I have a top 5 and in no particular order they are: Nicholas Sparks, Stephenie Meyer, P.C. Cast, A.L. Jackson and R.L. Mathewson. LOVE LOVE LOVE them.

*What are you reading right now?

I'm reading Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout! So so excited she asked me to read an ARC of it.

*Tell us your latest news.

 I just finished writing Stealing Harper (Spring/Summer 2013), Chase's POV from Taking Chances; and began on a new book that will be coming out December 2013. And my second novel From Ashes will be coming out December 11th. I'm so excited to hear what everyone thinks about it!

 

Check out all things Molly by following the links below, be sure to enter the giveaway as well.  2 lucky winners will get their own shiney new copy of Taking Chances.

Molly McAdams on Facebook

Molly McAdams on Twitter

Molly McAdams on Goodreads

Molly McAdams blogspot

 



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