4.5 stars.

Debut author's Jennifer Dawson's Take a Chance on Me is a sweet and very sexy runaway bride romance. The premise is cute but I was pleasantly surprised to discover this is not just a fluffy love story. Lead characters Maddie Donovan and Mitch Riley have real problems to work through and the fact that they fall in love along the way is just an added bonus. I adored Maddie and Mitch, but I also fell for the secondary characters as well so I was delighted to learn it is the first installment in the Something New series!

Maddie is in her late twenties, but in some ways, she seems much younger. She has lived a pretty sheltered life and she has fallen into the habit of letting everyone make her decisions for her. In the beginning she sometimes annoyed me with her immaturity but once her past is revealed, it is easy to overlook. It also helps that Maddie is aware her behavior is immature and that she is serious about taking charge of her life. Running away from her wedding is just the first step along the road to independence and although Maddie sometimes falls back on her old habits, she does a pretty decent job of finding her way.

I loved Mitch right from their first meeting. He is very charming with a fantastic sense of humor. Despite his intense desire for Maddie, he is also quite chivalrous which of course just adds to his appeal. Although at first, his life seems like an open book, Mitch too has a past he has been trying to escape. In the end, he is the character with the most to overcome and even though he is resistant to Maddie's efforts to help him, her perseverance eventually pays off.

I am a hard sell on the love at first sight plot device, but I have to admit, I did not have any problem with that part of the storyline. There is a lot of chemistry between Maddie and Mitch and their connection is deeper than just desire. They enter into the relationship with a clean slate and they get to know each other before they reveal who they used to be. No expectations to live up to makes it easy for them (but Maddie especially) to not only figure out what they want, but it helps them become who they want to be as well.

A well-written story with a well-developed and likable cast of characters, Jennifer Dawson's Take a Chance on Me is an easy to read and engaging romance. There is plenty of heat between Maddie and Mitch and their sex scenes are super hot. But it was the sweet, get to know you moments that convinced me this couple has what it takes to made it in the long haul. ( )

Review Posted on HarlequinJunkie.com

Maddie Donovan is sick and tired of having everyone else decide how her life is going to go. She knows it’s the worst timing ever, but at least she’s leaving before she says ‘I do’. She and Steve had been together since she was 15, but that’s just not a good enough reason to get married. So she jumps into her car and drives until it craps out in the middle of nowhere. Read More ( )

This was my first Jennifer Dawson novel and I immediately was hooked! This is a fun read that leaves you cheering for this couple to make it, and a perfect contemporary romance for a day at the beach or by the pool. The only negative to me was repetition regarding the intimate scenes, but the book definitely left me wanting more regarding the characters. ( )

DNF. I enjoyed the very beginning. Yet, while I feel this novel has promise I find the plot to be to "stop and go" for my liking and couldn't find a way to fit in with its groove. Therefore, at 22% of the way through I gave up reading.

Those looking for a contemporary romance might like this novel.

Loved this one!! Jennifer Dawson is definitely going on my authors to watch for list! The writing is great and the story is one that catches you from the first page. It's a wonderful combination of small town romance and big city drama. This is the first in a new series and I can't wait to read more! I highly recommend it. ( )