Cover Image: Taking a Chance on Love

Taking a Chance on Love

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Member Reviews

Loved this book, new author to me, . Great drama and a wonderful rollacoaster of emotion, The main characters are well developed and i found it difficult to not be invested in the outcome.

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I really enjoyed this book. A very well written romance. The main characters are very likable. There are very likable and well developed secondary characters that we will get to see more of in the second book. Thanks for another winner.

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One of the few lesfic books where the characters connect emotionally and bond before being blinded by sexual attraction.

Quincy saves many lives during a multi-car accident. But it triggers her PTSS. She spends three days with Lindy, a stranger she meets at the lesbian bar. After the three days, she asks Lindy out, which sends Lindy running from her.

One oft he woman Quincy saves becomes literary her fairy godmother during the story. Quincy keeps close to Lindy while Lindy works out on her personal demons and issues.

Certainly a different book than usual.

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This book started off with a lot of promise, and then it went downhill for me. I thought that the author's ability to describe the incident that Quincy initially comes across at her job, that is the catalyst to the rest of the book, was excellent. I found it gripping. And then, she goes to her favorite bar and meets Lindy. This would normally be the point where it gets even better, but alas....it got boring.

Both Lindy and Quincy had issues that feel like most of the story harps on. Don't get me wrong, everyone has some kind of baggage, but when I'm reading a book, I want some positives. There just weren't many of those. They either are internally struggling, or Lindy is pushing Quincy away when she probably needed someone the most.

Overall, I think the author has potential but this wasn't the book for me.

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This book was a DNF, which almost never happens. Even when the book its seriously boring, I can somehow get through it. This book was boring, it started off boring and it continued. I don't even think I got halfway through it. The writing was okay, but the story was just not very interesting. The PTSD, meeting a stranger at a bar and then having that stranger stay with you all weekend are all major RED flags and not one should be forced into someone eles's PTSD no matter how kind they are. Quincy seemed selfish and like she needed some serious help, Lindy also seemed like she had too many issues. I am sure everything turns out fine in the end, but it was not a book I wanted to keep reading. I started it, and in the interim have read several other books, This is the second book of hers I have read and the second one that I did not finish. I will not be reading anymore.

This book was given to be as an ARC in exchange for an honest review by Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.

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Sweet love story...
Received a generous ARC from the publisher via Netgalley!
Reading this book felt like I was watching a movie that I never wanted to end. Quincy was a hero to so many, she risked her life to save the lives of others and in the end she ended up saving her own life in a way. She was lost, hurt, angry and couldn't get over the death of Jen, her previous girlfriend. Then one night she met Lindy when she was at her lowest point and found the love of her life. But It wasn't smooth sailing as Lindy had her own issues to deal with, horrible issues that no child or woman should ever have to suffer. But in the end love prevailed and they were just what each other needed. This was the first book I've read by this author and I did enjoy it. The only drawback was the lack of sex scenes and the constant use of the word, sugah (not romantic). The one sex scene was so hot, I wanted more. Other than that great book to read during these crazy pandemic times. Overall 4.5 stars.

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Wow. There are all types of heroes. There are those who touch the fire as Catherine Maiorisi displays with her character Quincy and those who support the heroes such as Lindy. As a veteran, I have always thought that enough credit does not go to those who stay at home. Kudos to Maiorisi for recognising that we cannot do it without everyone’s support at home. Every “hero” needs to know that they can feel safe and human with someone. Lindy is that person for Quincy.

Taking A Chance On Love is a slow-burn romance that allows its characters to grow into themselves before getting into a relationship. The chemistry is there right from the start. Yet Quincy and Lindy realize that they need to work on themselves individually to be able to be in an adult relationship. Adulting can be hard and Maiorisi does not take shortcuts.

There is a great supporting cast of characters and I can already see potential spin-offs of this book. Maiorisi has created a fantastic world in Hackensack and Grace, Maggie, Quincy, and Lindy make you want to be a part of it.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

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What a wonderful and moving story. First part of the book will make you cry and feel sorry for Quincy. Second Part of the book will make you feel sad for Lindy but for the rest of the book you will most definitively enjoy their journey of love, happiness and shot at life together.
Both characters deal with issues and none of those are small either.
Both are excellent at communicating, once they get to the part of course.
I truly enjoyed this one from Catherine.

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Personal issues and angst. While reading, I thought about why people do what they do and behave the way they behave. There is a reason. Although from the outside looking in, we may not appreciate or agree with the behavior. This read has at least two tough issues. Lindy James, loner, dealing with family history/trama. Lindy is interesting with her dancing and upbeat personality and she can cook. It takes awhile to learn what her story is and when you do, wow. Officer Johna Quincy Adams, is a reluctant superhero with a big heart. Quincy has issues that she is unable to deal with on her own. She is reluctant to ask for help. The supporting characters where very important as the read unfolds. It is awesome that both women have a good support system of friends that are like family. There is much to like about this slow burn story.

I like HEA and when all of the pieces fall into place, it can definitely appear to be too much and a little or alot unbelievable. You will have to read and judge for yourself.

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It's rather strange to read a book about a snowstorm in a heatwave, but that's exactly what I did. But when you feel cold from just reading a book, you know it's good.

Police officer Quincy is on her way home from her shift when she hears about a pile-up on her police scanner. She is the first to arrive on the scene, she triages the situation and starts pulling people from their burning vehicles. One particular car scene is truly devastating, mix that with Quincy's PTSD (which she has been trying to ignore) and it's a real tear-jerker. After spending 20 minutes alone at the scene and saving 12 people Quincy is cold and dirty and is being send home by her chief. Instead of heading home, she goes to her favourite bar. She needs to see happy people. Lindy is dancing, she was reluctant to come out for her best friend Babs' birthday, but she is enjoying dancing by herself and dragging her friends to dance with her. Quincy is in shock and cold, her friend and owner of the bar asks Lindy if she could give Quincy a ride home. Lindy is not someone to connect with people, she doesn't let anyone in, nor does she want to. After talking to Quincy and being in awe of her bravery she decides to drive her. Quincy asks Lindy to stay the night just so that she isn't alone. It's a starnge request but Lindy agrees. They connect even without Lindy's permission for personal quiestions. When they spend the weekend together there is no denying their connection but Lindy doesn't want to date, she turns Quincy down flat. Unable to let go of the idea of each other they go on with their lives but are confronted with each other, their own problems and their connection time and time again. Until they figure it all out.

I would have given this book 5 stars if it weren't for the push and pull and the subsequent quick succession of events and living up to too many lesbian cliches. I like Quincy, she is nice character, brave but humble. I don't care much for Lindy, she seems to sort of string Quincy along, even though she was clear from the start. But you can't say one thing and do something different. The supporting characters are pretty solid as well. Let me leave you with this: I am very glad my friends don't give similar gifts to Lindy's friends.

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Taking a Chance on Love by Catherine Maiorisi is both an angst-filled and a feel-good romance. That sounds like a strange combination, but it works in this novel.

Both of the main characters, Officer Quincy Adams and Lindy James, have lived through some painful events in their pasts that still affect them today. That’s where the angst originates, and keeps the two from coming together immediately, even though there is an instant connection between them. It’s going to take a lot of love, help and trust to make it possible for these two to become a couple.

I enjoyed reading this book. Quincy was easy to connect with, but it took me a little longer to connect with Lindy. I think it’s mainly because we don’t hear about Lindy’s past until almost halfway through the tale. The story itself is excellent and the romance is passionate and exciting.

The only problem I had was with the secondary characters. There were too many of them. Quite a few of them are like walk-ons in a play. You don’t really know who they are. They are just part of the crowd, but not really needed in the story. That is especially true in the second half of the story. I actually became confused occasionally when some of these characters appeared.
I want to give a couple of trigger warnings here. There is discussion of PTSD caused by past trauma in the military as well as talk of past abuse. The abuse is not explicitly shown, just discussed. This is just a friendly warning for those who might be affected.

If you like a feel-good romance with a good bit of angst running through the story, you will like this book.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.

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Johna Quincy Adams, police officer

Lindy James, a truck dispatcher who helps Quincy after she rescues people from a traffic accident scene.

After suffering injuries and smoke inhalation while rescuing 12 people from a traffic accident, Quincy goes to the only place she knows she will find comfort, her friendly lesbian bar. Quincy is a mess, smoke stained, bruised, half frozen and at loose ends. Lindy is at the bar helping a friend celebrate her birthday.

Maggie, the owner of the bar asks Lindy to give Quincy a ride home. Lindy stays with Quincy that night and for the rest of the weekend, so Quincy won't be alone.

Through the trial of meeting with the press at the hospital and meeting the people she saved, Quincy isn't ready for the crush of emotions caused by the incident, and how she's starting to feel about Lindy. Lindy's cold brush-off after their warm, yet platonic weekend is mysterious.

Lindy has a past and it's keeping her from a future. Will her life with Quincy come together or fall apart?

(Ms. Mariorisi includes a couple of recipes for the meals her characters cook. They look tasty!)

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Good but heavy in parts working-through-your-stuff romance.

On her way home from work, former military MP and current police officer Quincy Adams receives an emergency call about a pileup on the interstate. When she gets on scene, dozens of cars and trucks are pretzeled together and fires are starting. Quincy works quickly in the snow and fire to save people from their burning cars - twelve people in all.

Despite her heroic act, Quincy is instantly dragged back to the edge of depression and despair she felt upon returning from her military tour following the violent death of her partner in Afghanistan. Instead of returning home after the crash, Quincy goes to her neighborhood lesbian bar. Gloomy, brooding, soaking wet and freezing, Quincy finds a seeming ray of sunshine in Lindy.

Lindy feels an instant connection to the stranger, and at the request of the bar owner, takes Quincy home. Though they do not have sex, the two stay together throughout the weekend, forging the beginnings of what may be a life-altering bond for both of them... if only they can work through the troubles of their respective pasts to be willing to take a chance on each other.

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The story idea is solid, but it didn't play out well in the writing. Beginning with an accident and a heroic character, the plot set off on the right foot, but after the weekend with Lindy was over, the story felt drawn out. There wasn't really any chemistry between the two characters which then meant there wasn't any dramatic tension about will they/won't they get together. It was all a bit formulaic and predictable.

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Officer Quincy was on her way home when a call from the radio report a massive accidents. When she arrive she immediately start pulling peoples from their cars. She became a hero that night saving twelve lives especially the woman she was willing to die with. Not wanting to be alone after what she did and the memories of the time where tragedy had struck she goes to a bar in search for living.

Lindy always been a loner she didn’t had great life growing up she ran away at fourteen and met a wonderful woman who took her in.

Quincy and Lindy meet at Maggie bar. Lindy there to celebrate her best friend Babs birthday when the owner of the bar Maggie ask her to take Quincy home at first she hesitant but when she looks at Quincy something pulls at her and she accepts.

They spent three days where Lindy help Quincy accept that she a hero especially when they visit the twelve people she saved. When Monday comes Quincy asks Lindy out for date and Lindy panicked and flees.

Quincy and Lindy both know they feels something but they both realize they need to work through their problems before they can have something lasting.

I enjoy this read love that Quincy made lifelong friends with people she saves and bond she has with the woman Grace she was willing to die with and Grace bond with Lindy. I love all characters and how they support Quincy and Lindy. I love how Grace said to Quincy you saved us and I believe Lindy save you what I like to believe is Quincy did something selfless and God reward her with someone who she needed and who needed her and they both saved each other. PS. There cameo of Renee and Darcy from her book Ready for Love


I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

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When I read the synopsis for this book I was immediately drawn to it and knew I wanted to read the book. One of my favorite storylines is about lost, lonely souls and both of the main characters demonstrated this trait in spades.

Officer Quincy Adams has just gotten off duty on an early October evening. An early snow storm has blown into New Jersey and she is headed home to have a drink and relax. She hears on her police scanner about a multi vehicle accident on the freeway near her current location. She can either head home as planned or try to render aid before any of the emergency vehicles arrive. She chooses the latter. She arrives at the scene first and ends up pulling eleven men, women, and children from vehicles and then attempts to rescue a badly injured woman who is trapped in a burning vehicle that could explode at any moment. This triggers a flashback from her time in Afghanistan. After a visit to the hospital she wants to experience life and excitement and decides to head to Maggie's, a local lesbian bar.

At Maggie's, Quincy visibly connects with loner, Lindy James, when she sees Lindy dancing alone from a mirror over the bar. Lindy is full of life and light. Maggie, the bar owner, asks Lindy to drive a shaken and slightly drunk Quincy home.

The story details their connection, the fight each of them tackle with their own personal demons, and what they need to put behind them so they can eventually reconnect. This story lived up to all of my expectations about two lonely people connecting after coming to grasp with their issues. The writing was very good, the storyline flowed well, and it was a quick read for me despite some of the harrowing subject matter. I would recommend this book to others. 5 stars

I received an ARC from Bella Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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