I can't remember if I've read this author previously. This book was part of a library book sale where you could fill a grocery bag for $2. It was marked as inspirational fiction.

What I liked:
*The relationship between brothers, Kurt and Sam. I do think Kurt was trying to do the best thing for Sam and to do the best that he could as a parent-brother. I was glad to see that he and Sam had talked about the move and Sam agreed to it before they made the move.

*That they still keep in touch with people from home (WV)--like Ace.

*That Ace is willing to step up for Finn like Kurt was/is for Sam. I was glad to see that Ace and Kurt had a friendship that let the two of them talk honestly.

*The life lesson about taking a chance on certain things in life, even if it doesn't work out exactly how you hope it will. There's still things to be learned from the trying.

*That there are women characters who are able to stand up for themselves as well as being able to step back and let a man do things for them (opening doors, stepping in when more muscle is required etc.)

*There is an attempt to deal with serious teen topics: sexual harassment/bullying, dating

What I didn't like:
*Sometimes I felt like Kurt should have told his brother Sam that certain things happened or talked with Sam to see what Sam felt rather than just guessing what Sam felt. Sam's 17. He deserves to have a say in what happens in his life.

*The ending was quite abrupt.

*Some of the situations would probably be dealt with differently in real life. Most schools have a low/no tolerance policy on bullying and sexting so the kids with the photos on their phones probably would have had more happen than just being asked to delete the photos off their phones. The second offense by the same male--not sure what discipline he was given if any (other than the principal having "choice words" for the parents). Kayla is right that "it will never go away" even if the adults think it is "dealt with". I think Mr. Condon would have pressed charges after Kurt hit him and also after Sam hit Ryan and Sam's friend destroyed Ryan's phone. (Also--these days, destroying the phone doesn't necessarily mean the photo is gone--the photo could be in the cloud and be restored to any new phone.)

WARNINGS: some swear words, violence, some serious petting/make out scenes, sexual harassment/bullying at the hight school ( )

Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.com.

My rating: 3.5 Stars

Kurt Holland is a man with very good intentions. He moves to the town of Bridgeport after taking guardianship of his seventeen-year-old brother Sam. When Sam gets into a fight in school, Kurt has to go and meet with his teacher. Meeting Emily Springer goes a bit differently than he would have expected. She is quite beautiful and he wonders how he can deal with being attracted to his son’s English teacher.

Emily has always kept to her hard-set rile of never dating a student’s parent, but The all-too handsome Kurt is Sam’s brother, not his father. After running into Kurt at the supermarket, Emily decides to see where things can go between them.

While Kurt and Emily test the waters of seeing one another, Sam and his new girlfriend contend with a very serious issue. This gives Kurt the difficult opportunity to test out his role as pseudo parent. Kurt’s biggest goal is to give Sam the opportunity to become prepared for college. This includes making difficult decisions that ultimately affect his relationship with Emily.

Take a Chance is a warm read with several sensitive characters. Although a romance, I found this book a bit more focused on the angst that Sam and his girlfriend were contending with and the resulting consequences. There are other scenarios at hand, and that includes Kurt’s adjustment to living in a new town and fitting in with the community. There is a strong message of taking chances in this book, thus the title is quite fitting.

I am not familiar with the author, but I would have liked to see the relationship between Kurt and Emily grow a bit more. Instead the story reached a sudden conclusion. Sadly, I turned the page thinking the book was moving on to the next chapter. But. It was just over. I would have liked to see a bit more of a resolution, but as this series continues with the next book in the series, All In, in February. Perhaps the stories will have a better sense of finality.

Many thanks to Blackstone Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for an honest opinion. ( )

3.5 Stars

Let me start with a bit of a warning for those who have read Shelley Shepard Gray’s Amish or Inspirational books. Take a Chance is not those books. Gray moves into the general market with a new publisher and a new genre—a genre that includes some suggestive scenes and several curse words.

OK, now that we’ve got that over with, let’s get down to the first book in The Bridgeport Social Club series. Kurt Holland and his brother same have left the coal mines in West Virginia and moved to Ohio. Kurt finds himself drawn to one of his brother’s teachers.

There are some adorably awkward exchanges between Kurt and Emily while Sam is protective of Kayla—a girl in his class he likes. Gray touches on the subject of bullying (someone posting pictures of someone else without their approval or knowledge is a form of bullying) but this story is 80% about the relationship between the two brothers.

With perspectives from Emily, Kurt, Sam, and Kayla, readers get a well-rounded picture of this little corner of Bridgeport, Ohio. I’ll be watching for the next installment to see who’s introduced next (and how much the poker club grows).

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )

I could see the title of this book resonating with so many of the characters presented, and it sure applied.
The author shows us that there are so many ways that you have to take a chance, and it isn’t always the right decision.
While I may not agree with all choices that are made we are shown a lot of different characters, both likeable and unfortunately bullies. I did like the manners that these southern boys showed.
This is a story that made me think that part could have come from the local headlines, especially with the coal mines.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Blackstone, and was not required to give a positive review ( )