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Chance #1

Taking a Chance

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Rose has spent her whole life living in her sister’s shadow; boys have always preferred her sister Amelia. Amelia has always achieved the best grades, the boys would flock to her and good luck seem to just follow her around.
When Rose meets Jacob, she feels as though her luck is starting to change. He is everything she could wish for and more; he is not only gorgeous and clever, but he wants her, not her sister.
Jacob and Rose begin dating, but the course of true love never runs smooth and it’s not long before Jacob is hiding things from Rose. Will his secrets destroy their relationship, or will he finally open up to Rose? Or will Amelia destroy them before he has the chance?
Join Rose and Jacob on their rollercoaster journey.
When the highs are so good, does it make it worth enduring the lows?

This is a young adult book that contains some mature content

ebook

First published November 18, 2014

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About the author

Kacey Hamford

26 books194 followers
I am a part time author who loves to write romance books.
I currently have three series;
The Rocking Series
Chance Series
South Coast Brothers

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Community Reviews

5 stars
43 (35%)
4 stars
40 (33%)
3 stars
21 (17%)
2 stars
11 (9%)
1 star
5 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Caroline Ferriday.
113 reviews11 followers
November 6, 2014
Well... Kacey has written a beautiful book about a young woman coming of age and finding her soul mate. Rose is such a beautiful young lady who is dealing with her family, falling in love and hiding her Jacob.
Rose and Jacob are lovable, kind, sweet young people who get dealt a shitty hand but continue to look for the best in people. Bonnie is such a fab friend and is the kind of best friend you want for yourself!
The book was so well-written and I did not expect the twists, turns and secrets to come out. They were hidden so beautifully and made the story stronger and sweeter to read.
Kacey has dealt with some difficult and emotional topics with such dignity and grace. It was beautifully handled and I thought the characters dealt with the issues in a way that a normal person would. This book is the sort of book that you could see happening in real life, or even to someone you know.
This book is a must read, as you will not regret it one bit! The plot, characters and story kept you captivated and I was unable to put the book down until I'd finished and found out what would happen!
Profile Image for Lucii Dixon.
1,103 reviews49 followers
October 31, 2014
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book.
beautifully written, awe inspiring and heart clenching.
jacob is a super hot, super clever and sexy alpha who falls for Rose. This makes rose over the moon, for she never gets noticed, usually her sister Amelia, whom she despises, gets all the attention....but Amelia isn't the goody two shoes her parents think she is.
Rose has always felt like a black sheep, then she met Jacob..but he has is secrets. will they destroy their budding romance? or could this relationship still be salvaged? her parents think he's a bad influence, yet for once, rose stands her ground and sticks by him

An amazing read. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Missi.
98 reviews12 followers
April 10, 2015
A highly enjoyable read!

There is romance, drama and action aplenty in this wonderfully written story. Rose is always in her sister's shadow until Jacob comes into her life. There is a ton of chemistry between the two. But when you add in a b*tch of a sister who wants Jacob for her own and the secrets Jacob is keeping, things get very complicated for the lovers.
Overall, this story will tug at your heart. The way Kacey crafts the characters will pull you in. You might yell and you will probably cry. Once I started reading this story, I couldn't put it down until the end. I would recommend this story to everyone.
4 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2014
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Taking A Chance. It is a well written and easy to read story about a girl who falls in love against her parents approval at the same time as having to deal with her sister always being the golden girl in the family and getting away with everything. You will fall in love with Rose and Jacob in their journey together. Another fantastic book from Kacey Hamford who is one of my favourite authors.
Profile Image for Louise White.
376 reviews21 followers
November 16, 2014
I found this to be a really enjoyable read, it young adult with just the right amount of
mature content.

The story explores relationships, family, friends and lovers. Rose always feels that she takes second place in her family to her slightly older sister. There is definitely a difference in how her parents treat her. Amelia is the golden girl.

By chance Rose meets Jacob, she doesn't want go rush into a relationship and wants to be sure before she completely takes a chance on him. As their relationship develops its clear that the path of true love is not going to run smoothly. Jacob is keeping secrets and Roses parents oppose their relationship, along with a very jealous Amelia who has her own secrets.

The story flows really well and I was surprised by how far into the story I had got before I put the kindle down. The story line is believable and the characters display the right teenage angst in the story, mixed with a level of maturity.

I don't know if there will be any other stories involving the characters but I would love to learn more about Roses next friend Bonnie.

A highly recommended read!
Profile Image for Sheila Kell.
Author 23 books605 followers
November 10, 2014
I received an ARC for an honest review.

Kacey wrote another book that I couldn't put down. I planned to just read a few chapters before bedtime but got so engrossed in the story that I had to finish it.

Rose catches the eye of Jacob who her sister, Amelia, wants. And, what Amelia wants she gets. So she instills doubt and uncertainty of Jacob's true affections to Rose and tries to steal him while undermining their parents view of Jacob and Rose's relationship.

You can't help but fall in love with Jacob. He's perfect. Well, until he keeps disappearing on Rose with no explanation. She wants to trust him but understandably can't. And later when she finds out he has not one, but two, secrets he's kept from her, her heart breaks, and she walks away.

Kacey really understands the drama that goes through the head of these young adults. She brings to life a story that is so real you'd think it was friends of yours instead of a book of characters. I enjoyed her Rocker series and look forward to more in her Chance series. Keep bringing us these 5-star reads, Kacey!
Profile Image for Penny Leidecker.
2,521 reviews25 followers
April 7, 2015
Rose and Jacob

This is a wonderful book about young love that lasts. Rose and Jacob have one very big problem trying to come between them by the name of Amelia, Rose's sister. She thinks because she saw him first that she should get to have him. She always gets what she wants and will lie to do so. Jacob doesn't want her!!! He only wants Rose. Amelia gets her parents to believe her lies, so they forbid Rose to see him. They don't have an easy time, but they have chemistry. All the characters are memorable and really HOT!!! I don't want to give away every thing that happens, so go buy this book and read for yourself. I enjoyed this book so much and would recommend it to everyone. One more thing before I finish, Bonnie, Rose's best friend, is studying to be a nurse and she is a lifesaver!!!
Profile Image for Sheri Bishop.
502 reviews7 followers
April 14, 2015
Taking A Chance by Kacey Hamford is a very sweet NA book. Rose is a college student who always feel second to her older sister and lost her first love when he moves away to college. But then she meets Jacob. Jacob is older and lives with his best friend and his brother and of course, has the bad boy reputation. But one evening spent together has them wondering if each other is "the one". But then Jacob starts acting funny, hiding things, disappearing during the day and Rose just doesn't know if she can trust him with her young delicate heart.

Kacey Hamford is an excellent author. She makes you feel part of the story and part of the characters lives. With the dual POVs, she helps you understand what each character is feeling and thinking. And she can write one heck of a hot love scene!
Profile Image for Louise Bailey.
118 reviews5 followers
November 1, 2014
I was very lucky to receive ARC of this book for a honest review.
well written inspiring and heart clenching novel.
Jacob is very clever and hot sexy alpha who falls in love with rose.
it's amelia whom isn't happy and gets all the attention rose has always felt like the black sheep of the family. (like me myself with my sister and my parents)
then she get the chance to go out in secret with her best mate amd mets Jacob and falls for him, but he has mysterious secrets which could destroy everything. or could it be her sister who can't see her happy. . recommend read.
it is a story I feel close to because I understand how it feels like with families. x x
Profile Image for Natalie Rhodes.
142 reviews17 followers
March 13, 2015
Received this book for free from a new author!! I was hooked from the beginning :) I loved these characters. Rose was by far so sweet and Jacob was amazing as well :) thought they fit perfectly together!! I'm so glad I got a chance to read this. I live meeting new authors. This authors writing drew me in and made me want more from her. The story line was amazing and I never expected what happened. These characters had alot of ups and downs and it made them who they were in the end. I felt for Rose in this book - loved her!! I've already started to read more from this author !!
Profile Image for bookramblings1..
459 reviews9 followers
March 31, 2015
Copy received in giveaway win from author :)

I loved this multi POV tale, it's the first book I have read by this author and won't be the last.

I fell in love with rose, she was so innocent.
And Jacob he was so adorable, this couple are just the cutest :*

This isn't your standard collage romance,
There are twist and turns along the way.
️sibling rivalry at its best ( I hated Amelia )



That ending = perfect.
No cliff hanger :)
I cannot wait to read book 2 and see what's in store for the lovely bonnie xx
Profile Image for J..
Author 8 books12 followers
November 22, 2014
I was honored with an ARC of Taking A Chance for a fair and honest review. I found the story of Rose and Jacob to be entertaining and written extremely well. This book has all the elements I love in a book; conflict and perseverance between two lovers. I found myself cheering the characters on when family members pressure Rose to give her love up. Inn my honest assessment, I feel Kacey Hamford has written and published a 5 star book. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Heather Schrader.
199 reviews9 followers
March 23, 2015
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn't put this book down it kept me hooked from page one. Told in both Jacob and Rose's POV we get to experience the highs and lows of their relationship. The secondary characters really added to the story even though I couldn't stand Amelia and really wanted to reach thru my tablet and smack the crap out of her. Looking forward to reading Bonnies story and reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Jessica Mitchell.
2,053 reviews18 followers
March 4, 2015
Was given this as a gift in a contest I won. Loved it! Ever felt like you were the black sheep of family and your sibling could do no wrong. Well this is what it's like basically. A girl trying to find her way in the world from under her sister who pretends to be a goodie two shoes and gets what ever she want. Well not this time.
Profile Image for Kathleen Howard.
21 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2015
Fantastic read. Could not put this book down. From the first page until the last page, I was engrossed. It is a younger romance, but even being middle aged I loved everything about it. Was very well written and I look forward to reading more from this author and adding her to my favourite author list.
Profile Image for Dawn.
290 reviews
July 14, 2015
A sweet story of your first love for Jacob and Rose... The moment they met there was a connection that couldn't be denied. Throw in a devious out to get you crazy sister Amelia and a best friend that can't decide on two guys. The story has some twists and turns but all in all an enjoyable read... Now onto the love triangle between Joseph, Bonnie and Matt!!!! :)
Profile Image for Claire Hannaford.
2 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2014
I was lucky enough to read this book as an ARC, and I have to say I loved it! The relationship between Jacob and Rose isn't always easy, but it's a journey that sucked me in and made me want to read more. I'm a massive fan of Kacey Hamford and will eagerly await her next book.
18 reviews
January 8, 2015
This was a great book, great story line, great characters, loved jacob and rose has a couple so much, and had a lovely HEA. I look forward to the next book in the series, i love all kacey's books would highly recommend to everyone
Profile Image for Angie.
5 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2015
I was enthralled by this book. Could not put it down. Hot men and steamy love scenes. Had me guessing what the big secret was and completely surprised when it was revealed! Can't wait to start the second book, Giving a Chance!
Profile Image for Caryl Casanova.
Author 1 book2 followers
April 5, 2015
I love it! Taking a chance to love is something everyone should do. I love falling in love with new books and new characters! This will make you giddy like a highschool teen!
209 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2015
Really enjoyed reading about rose and Jacob Wat a brilliant story definitely a must read
April 7, 2015
After a very long time and believe me when I say a very long time, I read a book that was cute and made me smile rather than giving me complete mind f***s. this is story of a beautiful young girl, becoming a women. She experiences what is to fall in love with a man who will want her for who she is and she reciprocates the same.

Rose brings out the girl we were at 18 and all the hormonal dances we’ve had at that age. The bar hopping, the girly chats with the BFF, the eyeing the hot guy in the bar and the major sibling fight- this story was filled with nostalgia for me.

These are some of the things I love about the story:
- Rose is a strong girl. I have to establish that. She knows what she wants and she fights for it.
- Jacob is not your regular billionaire alpha. (Thank god for that!) an illegal fighter and realizes that what he does for a living is wrongs and takes steps to rectify them.
- The love he pours on Rose, is so beautiful. Its not cheezy, but its beautiful.
- Bonnie- Rose’s BFF is awesome. Period.
- Rose and Jacob handle their battles with much needed maturity, rather than being dramatic about the whole situation.

While the story was charming and took me to my teenage years, I did a find a couple of things a bit unbelievable.
- Rose made some life altering decisions that were beyond her age.
- I felt there was innocence missing in the characters. They were much grown up for their age and spoke like older couples. It spoilt the story a little. I wanted them to make tiny mistakes and learn from them. That’s how you lean life right?

On the whole this was a very cute read and I could to stop till it finished with its sequel- Giving a Chance. It had good twists and turns that would definitely not make you stop mid way.
Profile Image for Claire Newman.
49 reviews
April 21, 2015
***Copy generously provided in return for an honest review***

I am a massive fan of young adult romance stories, especially ones of the School/Collage variety, and TAKING A CHANCE, by Kacey Hamford did not disappoint for me!

I must admit...TAKING A CHANCE is not the greatest and most well written story I have ever read. But as a passionate reader, for me, it's more about the story.

It has to move me.

It has to draw me in...bring me into the pages so deep that I just can not put it down.

But most of all I need to fall in love with the characters, and be left wanting more.

Kacey managed to do all of this for me with TAKING A CHANCE.

I loved how there were so many different stories buried within the pages of the book, with each character having their very own little story to tell along the journey.

Jacob and Rose were two very strong leads for me, but I loved the secondary characters of Bonnie, Matt, Joseph, and even Amelia equally as much, if not more so.

There were surprises a plenty and twists and turns at every corner with this story...There were even parts that I was not expecting to happen at all! It's dramatic, it's engaging, and it's packed full of those moments where you scream "ARGHHHHHHH" at your kindle whilst shaking it :)

I really can't wait to read the next instalment of the CHANCE SERIES

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 STAR REVIEW FROM ME :)
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
3,818 reviews113 followers
November 18, 2014
I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.

This is the story of Rose and Jacob. Rose is the younger (by a year) sister of Amelia and has always been in her shadow, even though Amelia's actions are dubious at best. Unfortunately, as is sometimes the case, their parents see no wrong in Amelia but continue to come down hard on Rose.

Rose catches the eye of Jacob and spends some (innocent) time with him before she finds out that her sister has been after him for a while. She steps back but it is Jacob who won't back away. It is Rose he wants, not Amelia, and he won't take no for an answer. This is partly why it comes as such a shock when Jacob suddenly disappears and won't tell Rose where he's been. It turns out that Jacob has actually kept two major secrets from Rose and that is enough to make her walk away.

There are highs and lows aplenty in this book and you will be drawn into the drama from page one. Some of Rose's reactions, to be honest, I couldn't understand. Once the truth comes out, I don't think I would have been as forgiving or understanding as she was but that's just me.

Contemporary Romance with plenty of action and drama. Really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for S.M. Koz.
Author 4 books225 followers
October 6, 2015
A sweet stand-alone romance.

This was a very quick and enjoyable read. I love that it's a stand-alone since so many romances these days require that you read 3-4 books to get the whole story. As a result, the plot in Taking a Chance moved along at a nice pace, making for an entertaining story from start to finish. I also enjoyed the ending. I don't want to give anything away, but it was a nice, satisfying ending for all the characters.

When I read the synopsis, I expected a rather simple plot with simple characters, but I was totally wrong. As the story progresses, we learn more and more about their complex lives and interpersonal relationships. That was actually my favorite part of this book. There was so much more to each character than what's on the surface. I loved how various events had to happen for us to truly understand what makes each of the characters tick.

Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone who likes stand-alone YA or NA romances. To me, this actually bridged the gap between YA and NA. I thought the characters' behaviors, fears, motivations, etc were more YA, but the intimate scenes and conflicts were more NA. I really liked that combination and look forward to reading more by Kacey Hamford in the future.
106 reviews
December 2, 2014
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for MNP.

Rose was just your average girl out one night when she met him, Jacob. She was attracted to him at first glance. The two had gone to the same club to see Flix. They spent their first The only problem was that Amelia liked him to and he was her obsession. Rose was young and was in college with her best friend Bonnie. Jacob was keeping secrets from Rose where he was going when he left with his friend Matt. Rose didn't see eye to eye with her parents about her boyfriend and her sister was doing anything she could to sabotage their relationship and decided to continue their relationship in secret. But could their love last or was in all just to good to be true.

These two had an instant bond that was unbreakable. There were a few slow parts to the book and then it would pick up. Wonderful love story about young love and how they can will make sure their relationship works. To find out Jacob's secrets was the best part. One of them, I had figured out and the other was a complete surprise. Lindsey, Reviewer for MNP.
Profile Image for C.J. Fallowfield.
Author 47 books761 followers
June 7, 2015
3 stars for an endearing tale of young love overcoming adversity. When 17 year old Rose spies the gorgeous Jacob, no one else stands a chance of even registering on her radar. On the surface it seems that he feels the same about her, but throughout the book we are left wondering the intentions of this man, who plays his cards close to his chest. To add to the complications, Rose’s nasty sister, Amelia, has her eyes set on Jacob as well, and her parents forbid her to see him. As some of his secrets unfold, can Rose accept and forgive? Will Amelia stand back and let her sister have the man she’s coveted for so long? I really enjoyed the underlying plot of this story, but would have liked more descriptive scenes to really help ground me into the story and feel the characters emotions. An original plot though, that’s not been overdone.
**I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Kathleen O'Callaghan.
15 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2014
Kacey has written another stunning story which had more twists and turns than any of her other books. The story of Jacob and Rose had me hooked from the start with my heart beating faster with each event in their relationship.
Jacob is the strong alpha type who you will either love or hate, I loved him and found myself drawn into his character. Rose is a fantastic character to accompany Jacob's and they are a perfect match.
A fantastic read and one that I highly recommend to anyone. I cannot wait for another installment from Kacey.
Profile Image for Shameca Smith.
264 reviews
April 26, 2015
I received Taking A Chance in exchange for an honest review. I liked this book. I was a little lost at first, but then I realized that this was overseas. (Drinking at 18, the slang, etc)

I loved Rose. She was just a little immature for me: not believe Jacob, running away from him. Her friendship with Bonnie is something that I want to have in my life.
I think she did overreact to both of the secrets that were in the book, but she finally came around and had one my heart when she stood up to her parents.

Overall, it is a wonderful book and I recommend reading it. :)
387 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2016
Not for me

Sorry but I couldn't get past the going out to see the band scene which is maybe 2 or 3 chapters in... There's to many words that Americans wouldn't say... and doesn't add up she's 17 in college asking her mom to stay at a friend's house then gets in a club and drinking then talking about sex and not sleeping around because that's not her style... then exactly what she wants and likes in man. It just doesn't add up. Needs edited and rewritten then maybe I could read further and see if it's a good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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