Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Unavoidable Chance (Running Into Love, #5)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Unavoidable Chance

(Running Into Love #5)

Annalisa Nicole (Goodreads Author)

4.42 · Rating details · 129 ratings · 28 reviews

Ava Wellington is a busy, prestigious Seattle lawyer with her sights firmly set on her goals. She’s precise and calculated to a fault and doesn’t have time in her career for relationships, especially with a man like Jax. Neither he nor what comes with him were ever part of her plan.

Jaxon Landry is ex-military, turned chef of his own thriving restaurant and the best single ...more

Get A Copy

211 pages

Published 2015

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Unavoidable Chance, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about Unavoidable Chance

Lists with This Book

Good romance is never too much **

155 books — 17 voters

A Dream of His Own by Gail Gaymer Martin

"Ava"

150 books — 10 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 4.42 ·

Rating details

· 129 ratings · 28 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of Unavoidable Chance (Running Into Love, #5)

Jan 14, 2015 Wendy'sThoughts rated it really liked it

4 Making the Time for Sunshine Stars * * * *

Work/Balance.... this is a term which seems to be brought up all the time... but is so hard to do...and what is the balance... is there one? When goals and dreams are set... when do we realize they sometimes need to be adjusted to allow a life... and love...

These are thoughts running through the mind of our driven attorney, Ava Wellington. She has been working non stop from the beginning... from grade school, high school, college and law school... alwa ...more

flag 12 likes · Like · see review

Jan 28, 2015 ~Nichole~ Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: has-angst-plus-rainbows, 2-approved-for-safe-zone, 1-arc, 2-auto-read-author, 2-blubbering-crying-mess, dual-pov, easy-and-sweet, 2-reviewed-on-amazon, feb2015

Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews

Nichole's Sizzling Reviews

Sizzling Pages @ Facebook

Sizling Pages on TSU

Twitter:@Sizzlingpages

Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com

Another sweet and heart warming story from an author that never lets me
down. From characters that have kept my interest through every
installment to future mysteries that I can't wait for more. Analisa is
just one author that I know I'll find the best that romance can provide.
. passion. . healing and lesso ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Jan 12, 2015 Kristine GPI Bookblog rated it it was amazing

Shelves: beta-read, glass-paper-ink-bookblog-review, gpi-blogtour

I was fortunate enough to beta read Unavoidable Chance for Annalisa Nicole and this has very quickly become my favourite in the series.
Ava Wellington has been the dark horse so far in this series, she's a perfectionist on the fast track to becoming a partner at her prestigious law firm. Where as family, marriage and kids have always been the ultimate goal for Ava's siblings, her plans involve her career not white picket fences and picking out strollers.

Jaxon Landry has served his country, after ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jan 14, 2015 Kell's Bookmark Clique rated it it was amazing

I have loved all of Annalisa Nicoles books in this series, but, this book would have to be my favourite.
In Unavoidable Chance, we re-visit the Wellington family, and this time, it's work-a-holic, Ava's turn to find love. Ava 'runs into' ex-soldier, and now restaurant owner, 'Jax' several times at the beginning of the book. Jax realises the instant attraction, but, Ava, being so caught up in her work, wants nothing to do with him. What follows, is a heartfelt story, as we learn about Jax' loss, a ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 22, 2014 Cristie Alleman rated it it was amazing

Another Amazing Book to add to the Running Into Love Series!!

You will laugh and cry with this amazing story!! I can't forget to mention how HOTT some of the scenes in the book are!! Jax owns a restaurant and Ava is a Lawyer who works too much!! Ava has lost her father, Jax has lost his wife and both are still trying to heal!! Running into each other seems to be unavoidable for them.. Ava doesn't want to fall in Love. Jax is determined to become a part of Ava's life and get her to take it easy.. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 18, 2014 ~Steph K~ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: book-type-arc, pages-125-to-200, character-alpha-male, character-chef-cook, character-lawyer, content-kids-involved, genre-adult-erotic-romance, read-2015, series-family, 2-db

**ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review by the girls and I at www.sizzlingpages.com **

Review to follow....

Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews

Sizzling Pages @ Facebook

Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Aug 24, 2018 Karen Jones rated it liked it

Shelves: author, kindle-unlimited, series, stand-alone-series

Again I love all these characters and especially liked Jax in this one but the story line was a bit blah. Ava made a promise to her dad at his grave but never made any effort to keep it. I get that she was a determined person professionally but she never gave her personal goal a second thought. As always love this family and their friends...will be disappointed to see series end.

flag Like · see review

Jun 18, 2020 T♡ marked it as not-interested

Shelves: hero-loved-before-ugh

-widower hero
-heroine is 2nd best

flag Like · see review

Jan 01, 2015 Jennifer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2015-release-date, adult-romance, alpha-male, arc-read, blog-tour, book-boyfriend, books-i-want-to-re-read, death, dual-pov, emotional-read

* A review copy was provided by the author for the Blog Tour *

Amazon Link ---->> Unavoidable Chance (Running Into Love Book 5)

~ 5 Swedish Fish Stars ~

There is a reason why I love this series and Annalisa's writing. She knows how to create a story that is heartwarming and full of emotion without a lot of excess drama. Her stories are always to the point and a quick read, but they know how to pack a punch.

Unavoidable Love is book 5 in her Running Into Love Series and it is just as wonderful as ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 16, 2015 Amie Morgado- We Stole Your Book Boyfriend rated it it was amazing

FANTASTIC !! Now I have loved every single Wellington man and of course Max and Kyle too but HOLY WOW JAX IS JUST WOW SWOON HOT SEXY AS SIN YUM !! This is Ava and Jax's story and I do recall a brief meeting with Jax in the last book at the restaurant and I knew he would make a fine addition to this series !! Annalisa does a great job with her character development and each one has bits and pieces that are so easy to connect with. There are always real life issues going on and of course we always FANTASTIC !! Now I have loved every single Wellington man and of course Max and Kyle too but HOLY WOW JAX IS JUST WOW SWOON HOT SEXY AS SIN YUM !! This is Ava and Jax's story and I do recall a brief meeting with Jax in the last book at the restaurant and I knew he would make a fine addition to this series !! Annalisa does a great job with her character development and each one has bits and pieces that are so easy to connect with. There are always real life issues going on and of course we always get the heart stopping moment or 2 or 3 !! This series has been phenomenal and I cannot wait for more , speaking of more , the lead ins for the next books have been so captivating and this time I found myself yelling "YES I KNEW IT" at the end !!

Ava is the youngest of the family , still single and not even thinking about settling down and starting a family. Ava doesn't have time for that she is too busy working 100's of hours a week at the law firm attempting to be the youngest ever to make partner. Very determined and independent Ava is well on her way to achieving her dreams. But after 1 too many actual run ins with the hot restaurant owner Ava is feeling her desires switch and it is driving her crazy. After losing her father Ava re-evaluated a few things and decides to make a promise to her dad that she will slow down. Of course she is then offered a huge case that requires too much time. Not only that but Jax is everywhere and he is not giving up !! Ava needs to learn to manage her time or let certain ambitions go. Is she ready for all Jax has to offer ??

Jax has suffered major loss and has spent the past 2 years rebuilding a life for his 2 daughters and himself. Luckily for Jax he has his family around and more importantly his younger sister to live with him and help with the girls. The restaurant is a success and his daughters are growing up healthy and happy. Not having love on his radar at all Jax throws himself into work and his kids. One glance at Ava has him crazed and it is comical how many times they accidentally run into each other. It is such a sign !! What I loved about Jax the most was his sincere honesty. He didn't hold back and he didn't use his kids or wife as an excuse to not be involved with Ava. He was willing to work through anything to be with her. When JAx wants something Jax gets it and right now Jax wants Ava !! Let me just say HOT HOT HOT !! The office window...the parking garage...the office couch OMG I enjoyed getting to know Jax !!

Ava and Jax face many hurdles and it is a very emotional rollercoaster. Highs lows , frustration and complete happiness , it is all packed into this story !! Ava may have been stubborn and driven by the need for success but after some eye opening experiences Ava realizes she can have success in other ways and it is a beautiful thing !! I can't say enough about Jax , his love for his kids and his devotion to his wife should be enough but Jax really had the whole package and I was so happy to see him get his happy ending. I enjoyed seeing the whole family and catching up with all their good news !! Excited for whats to come !! ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 02, 2014 Nerdy Chic rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2015-book-challenge, for-review, arc, most-anticipate-romance

Book five in the Running Into Love series brings us more of the wonderful Wellington family. While each book is about a different couple in the family, you will see them and hear a little of their story in this book so it's best to read them in order to get the full effect of this wonderful series. The story is told in dual POV of the main characters and works very well. I enjoyed seeing the main characters butt heads continuously from both points of views. I also found myself laughing out loud Book five in the Running Into Love series brings us more of the wonderful Wellington family. While each book is about a different couple in the family, you will see them and hear a little of their story in this book so it's best to read them in order to get the full effect of this wonderful series. The story is told in dual POV of the main characters and works very well. I enjoyed seeing the main characters butt heads continuously from both points of views. I also found myself laughing out loud half the time and with a craving for Swedish Fish (you'll understand once you read).

"Never wait to tell someone how you feel, life can change in an instant."

No one knows this more than Jax Landry and Ava Wellington. Both have had their lives changed by a death that leaves them with a wound that doesn't want to heal. Jax, having lost his wife, and career in the military, turned chef of his own restaurant while raising his two little girls. Ava, having lost her father and rock, is pushing to be the youngest partner in her law firm, but trying to honor his last wish. Jax and Ava must have been fated to meet, as these two keep bumping into each other. Literally. A few times. LOL.

Jax is instantly attracted to her while Ava is stubborn to a T. She is set in her ways to make partner, working long hours, dining on Pop Tarts and wine. This case is the hardest one to ever cross her path but it's also her ticket to what she wants most. Or rather, what she thinks she does. The funny thing about love is, it doesn't wait for you to be ready and Ava is just going to have to deal with that. These two have some explosive chemistry even while Ava is fighting it tooth and nail.

Jax- "Are you going to throw Swedish Fish at my car again?"
Ava- "If you keep stalking me, yes, but it may also be a pop tart."

When they finally get together, absolute magic. Jax has to be the sweetest, sexiest guy. He is determined to take care of her and make sure she eats, knowing how much the case means to her. These two go through quite a roller coaster and the book had a ending that I did not see coming. What a fantastic book by Author Annalisa Nicole. I can not wait to read Savvy and Aiden's story next. ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 18, 2015 Becca Moree rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-2015

The Wellington family has hooked me in so many ways. This series is simply to die for! The characters are well developed (we even get to revisit each of them a little bit in each book, which rocks) and so realistic that I'm pretty sure Annalisa found this family somewhere and is totally just writing what she sees hehe

Unavoidable Chance is an epic love story. This book is a major tear jerker and absolutely a swoon worthy story.

I won't say that this is my fave in the series...because I think Max a The Wellington family has hooked me in so many ways. This series is simply to die for! The characters are well developed (we even get to revisit each of them a little bit in each book, which rocks) and so realistic that I'm pretty sure Annalisa found this family somewhere and is totally just writing what she sees hehe

Unavoidable Chance is an epic love story. This book is a major tear jerker and absolutely a swoon worthy story.

I won't say that this is my fave in the series...because I think Max and Chloe's story is still winning that one. But Unavoidable Chance was a wonderful read.

Jax is so damn sexy that I could barely control the drool! He is so sweet and the whole dad side of things just added to his sex appeal.

Ava is just as single minded in this book as she has been in all of the others. She is dead set on reaching her work goal and nothing will get in her way. Even when she makes a promise to slow down a bit she doesn't seem to be able to manage it.

The story line is interesting and definitely keeps you guessing. There are a ton of twists and turns along the way to Jax and Lana's HEA and each one left me grabbing for my tissue box! This is one book that will definitely take you on that emotional roller coaster!

I have to say that I still love the "running into love" aspect of this series. In Unavoidable Chance they literally run into each other not once, not twice, but three times! It's epic!

I was a little amazed by how quickly things escalated. I'm not sure I would have been cool with how their first sexy scene happened. I mean...he never really said anything...it just happened out of no where. Oh well...even with that amazingly sudden sex scene, the romance flows really well and feels right.

Annalisa Nicole has such a natural writing style. I absolutely love reading her books and this one was no different. The little snippet we get into Aiden and Savvy's story has me already ready to get on my knees and BEG for her to give it to me! I HAVE to know what happens! ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 18, 2015 Karen Lee rated it it was amazing

Even though this is book 5 in the series, it can be read as a standalone. The characters do overlap, but it is not necessary to have read the other 4 to follow the plot and storyline of this book.
Ava is an attorney, striving to make partner before she is thirty. She wants to be the youngest attorney to do so at the prestiges firm she works at. What that means is working 80 hours a week, at least, and absolutely no social life. She knows to reach this goal she had set for herself, there would be ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 15, 2015 Kim rated it it was amazing

I received a copy of Unavoidable Chance by Annalisa Nicole in exchange for an honest review for a blog tour.

I really enjoyed the book from begining to end. Even though it is book 5 it can be a stand a lone and I have to say I want to go back and read from book 1 all the way through. So many emotions that were packed into this book. I mean I was in tears and also I couldn't stop laughing. Two people destined to be together. No matter how many times Ava tried to avoid Jax there he was. Jax and Ava ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 13, 2015 Amy Crull rated it it was amazing

I love this series and this book was my favorite so far! Ava and Jax‘s story was one of heartache and stubborness. Ava is determined to be the youngest partner at the law firm, so in turn, she is constantly there putting in long hours and trying to prove herself. She has got even more into her work since her dad dying. After a family dinner, she decides to go visit him at the cemetery. She literally runs into a brick wall on the way there, Jax. His wife is buried next to her dad. Jax, was a para ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 11, 2015 ByoBook Club rated it it was amazing

Shelves: shy-g

4.5 of 5 Stars

This story was about Ava and Jax and their unavoidable romance. Ava was a very busy lawyer with no time for anything. She occasionally made time for her family, but that was about it. She has professional goals that is working toward and doesn't want anything to get in her way. She definitely had no time for love. But when she quite literally runs into Jax, all that begins to change.

Jax was a loving single father of 2 girls who runs a restaurant but still always makes time for what ...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 19, 2015 Liz rated it it was ok

Shelves: lawyers, chef, ocd, alpha

Story of Ava and Jax. Ava an intense OCD partner-track lawyer who has been assigned a case that will make her career at the firm if she wins. We all met Jax at his restaurant in a previous book. They literally keep bumping into each other and finally they do something about it.

Again I have issues with the author's writing especially with the legal stuff. Last time I checked, a private lawyer would only be representing a family in a civil case, not a criminal murder case. If she were representing ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 01, 2015 Book Junky Girls rated it it was amazing

4.5 Stars

Ava the baby of the family and the one with the craziest work ethics and it's finally time for her story. We saw the attraction between her and chef Jax and now we see how an alpha male like Jax deals with a stubborn woman like Ava.

Ava is all sass and independance and determination to do things her way. She's a strong woman but she needs a man who can get past that stubborness and take care of her even when she acts like she doesn't want to be taken care of.

Jax has been taking care of h ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 09, 2015 Shy Gawerecki rated it really liked it

This story was about Ava and Jax and their unavoidable romance. Ava was a very busy lawyer with no time for anything. She occasionally made time for her family, but that was about it. She has professional goals that she's working toward and doesn't want anything to get in her way. She definitely had no time for love. But when she quite literally runs into Jax, all that begins to change.
Jax is a loving single father of 2 girls who runs a restaurant but still always makes time for what's important ...more

flag Like · see review

Feb 22, 2015 Elle rated it it was amazing

Ava Wellington wanted nothing more than to conquer her world by the age of 30. Love didn't fit into her grand scheme of things. Strong-willed and head-strong, Ava had thrown hers of into work, but a chance literal run in with a man left her wondering if she would ever have what her siblings had, a family and love.

Jaxon Laundry only wanted to raise his girls in the best way he knew how. Running his own restaurant and being a single father, Love was not something he was looking for. But and unavo ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 28, 2015 Indie Editor Nancy rated it it was amazing

I truly loved this heartwarming story of an ex military single dad and a gifted lawyer with her sights on moving up the ladder with her career. Jax and Ava literally run into each other, over and over until fate brings them together. Ava' s priorities are not on love and she struggles with her feelings as Jax is sure and he takes care of her, making sure she eats, sleeps and that she experiences what family is and what love can be.

This story made me laugh, especially in the early parts, made me ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 23, 2014 Carrie rated it it was amazing

I love love love this series! 5+++ stars for sure! This is Ava & Jax's story, and they start off w/ the instant connection that is a staple of this series - but Ava keeps trying to run away from it! Their story is fraught w/ tension, but when they're together, MAGIC! : ) We get to see what's going on w/ the other siblings & there are a couple "OMH!!" moments. And, as is another staple, we get to see the beginnings of Aiden & Savvy's story at the end of this one. Woot! Looking forward to the next ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 17, 2015 Crissy Sutcliffe rated it it was amazing

This entire series is great! i have to say though, that jax and ava'a story is my favorite. They had love at first site, but Ava tried to run away from the things she was feeling for Jax. when they did finally get together it was so magical and right! I love how the characters from the previous books were also in this one, it let you know how they all are doing as well. this book is a must read! ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 27, 2015 D. Rivera rated it it was amazing

loved this book. each member gets better. this family is awesome.

flag Like · see review

May 09, 2015 Katie Chapman rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Outstanding

Sylvia Day readers will love Annalisa Nicole. Unavoidable Chance is hot, sexy, and romantic, with a take charge hero and a funny lady with a brain on steroids. Loved it.

flag Like · see review

Jan 13, 2015 Leo (Queen of the Rants and Spoilers) rated it it was amazing

These books are just keep getting better and better!! I loved Jax!!

flag Like · see review

Feb 07, 2015 Pamela added it

Shelves: own-kindle

I love this series, the are quick reads and really good.

flag Like · see review

Valentine rated it really liked it
Feb 18, 2016

Kristi rated it it was amazing
Apr 19, 2015

Kristen rated it it was amazing
Jan 16, 2016

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Sinopsis en Español // Synopsis in Spanish	1	1	May 11, 2015 11:57AM

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

About Annalisa Nicole

Annalisa Nicole

191 followers

International Bestselling Author Annalisa Nicole is an "Indie" Adult Contemporary Romance author. She's been married to her husband since 1996 where she enjoys being a stay-at-home mom to their two teenage boys. She was born and raised in Michigan, but currently lives in California.
She published her debut novel Take A Chance in October of 2013.

Here's where you can find Annalisa Nicole:
Website: www ...more