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Anderson Brothers #3
Chance of a Lifetime
Sometimes the biggest risk is playing it safe…
Gen Richards is tired of living down to her family’s expectation of the helpless blind girl. Resurrecting her high-school bucket list that begins with “kiss a total stranger” seems just the thing until she finds herself in a panty-melting lip lock with her big brother’s best friend.
Chance Anderson thrives on adrenaline, but Genny’s the one risk he’s not willing to take. His recklessness a decade ago landed her in the hospital and ejected him from her life. He’s bad for her and everyone knows it—especially her big brother.
Chance reluctantly helps Gen complete her bucket list in order to keep her out of trouble. Running through a freezing fountain, playing Spin the Bottle while fending off a mad horde of stinging insects, and skinny dipping with homicidal attack swans don’t hold a candle to the real danger: falling for the one person he can never have.
Gen Richards is tired of living down to her family’s expectation of the helpless blind girl. Resurrecting her high-school bucket list that begins with “kiss a total stranger” seems just the thing until she finds herself in a panty-melting lip lock with her big brother’s best friend.
Chance Anderson thrives on adrenaline, but Genny’s the one risk he’s not willing to take. His recklessness a decade ago landed her in the hospital and ejected him from her life. He’s bad for her and everyone knows it—especially her big brother.
Chance reluctantly helps Gen complete her bucket list in order to keep her out of trouble. Running through a freezing fountain, playing Spin the Bottle while fending off a mad horde of stinging insects, and skinny dipping with homicidal attack swans don’t hold a candle to the real danger: falling for the one person he can never have.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2015
70 people are currently reading
1039 people want to read
About the author
Marissa Clarke
14 books682 followersMarissa Clarke is a multi-award-winning, RITA nominated author of romance for adults and teens. She lives on the Texas Gulf Coast with her ever-patient husband, two cantankerous Cairn Terriers, and an abundance of bossy chickens.
Marissa also writes YA for Entangled Teen and Penguin/Random House as Mary Lindsey
Marissa also writes YA for Entangled Teen and Penguin/Random House as Mary Lindsey
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
November 14, 2015
A wonderfully sweet, touching and fun to read book. I love it when I get to experience stories like this one where I didn't know the author, didn't know what to expect and got a huge grin at the end.
Gen Richards is a smart, strong, independent woman who can and wants to live life at its fullest. She’s also blind, but her family just can’t see the former and are fixated on the latter. Perhaps it’s their limitation as sighted people, but not hers. Determined to start living her life because it’s too short, she unearths the bucket list she made when she was fifteen. She never would have imagined that ticking off the first item – kiss a total stranger – would lead her to the man who broker her heart ten years ago. Will she find retribution or freedom while having Chance by her side through her bucket list?
Chance Anderson has been Genny’s brother’s best friend since they were in grade school. Or was until a decade ago one imprudent act almost cost Genny’s life. Causing a rift between his friend and a permanent eviction from her life until she inadvertently entangles him in her bucket list. He loves taking risks, but can he risk his heart with the one woman he can’t have?
I’m not completely sure how I came across this book’s blurb. But once I read it I couldn’t not find out more about it. The plot hinted at fun, the characters, especially Gen, intrigued me. I’m so glad I added it to my list because from the very beginning it drew me in and had me smiling until the very end. Ok, I admit at one point there was a bit of cursing at the heroine, but there was also laughs provoked by killer swans and great banter, and deep blushes with all the sexual tension and sexy times between Gen and Chance.
I really liked Gen, she’s quick witted, courageous and self-reliant and didn’t let her disability cage her. That’s precisely how Chance saw her which made them perfect for each other.
It was wonderful to see how Chance supported her which helped Gen stand up to her family and to have Gen ease and eventually heal Chace’s guilt. Their reunion and romance was delightfully entertaining, swoony and incredibly sexy while they fulfilled Gen’s bucket list. I will definitely be adding Marissa Clarke to my authors-to-look-out-for list.
Chance of a Lifetime is book #3 in the Anderson Brothers series by Marissa Clarke that can be read as a standalone with a happy ending. Told by both points of view.
Author’s Pinterest board for book -> https://www.pinterest.com/marylindsey...
Amazon US -> http://amzn.to/1OJTiK0
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
“What do you see?”
“Nothing but you.”
Gen Richards is a smart, strong, independent woman who can and wants to live life at its fullest. She’s also blind, but her family just can’t see the former and are fixated on the latter. Perhaps it’s their limitation as sighted people, but not hers. Determined to start living her life because it’s too short, she unearths the bucket list she made when she was fifteen. She never would have imagined that ticking off the first item – kiss a total stranger – would lead her to the man who broker her heart ten years ago. Will she find retribution or freedom while having Chance by her side through her bucket list?
“Freedom you earn is more powerful than the freedom handed to you.”
Chance Anderson has been Genny’s brother’s best friend since they were in grade school. Or was until a decade ago one imprudent act almost cost Genny’s life. Causing a rift between his friend and a permanent eviction from her life until she inadvertently entangles him in her bucket list. He loves taking risks, but can he risk his heart with the one woman he can’t have?
“He should have known by now that indulging addiction was reckless and never ended well. And he was as addicted to Gen as he was to adrenaline.”
I’m not completely sure how I came across this book’s blurb. But once I read it I couldn’t not find out more about it. The plot hinted at fun, the characters, especially Gen, intrigued me. I’m so glad I added it to my list because from the very beginning it drew me in and had me smiling until the very end. Ok, I admit at one point there was a bit of cursing at the heroine, but there was also laughs provoked by killer swans and great banter, and deep blushes with all the sexual tension and sexy times between Gen and Chance.
“What do I see? Your lips are pink and swollen from kissing me… Your color is high with excitement. Your hair is all a mess because I held on for dear life so I wouldn’t grope you in public.”
I really liked Gen, she’s quick witted, courageous and self-reliant and didn’t let her disability cage her. That’s precisely how Chance saw her which made them perfect for each other.
“What do you see?”
“My wildest dreams.”
It was wonderful to see how Chance supported her which helped Gen stand up to her family and to have Gen ease and eventually heal Chace’s guilt. Their reunion and romance was delightfully entertaining, swoony and incredibly sexy while they fulfilled Gen’s bucket list. I will definitely be adding Marissa Clarke to my authors-to-look-out-for list.
“You’re my first. My first love. My only love.”
Chance of a Lifetime is book #3 in the Anderson Brothers series by Marissa Clarke that can be read as a standalone with a happy ending. Told by both points of view.
Author’s Pinterest board for book -> https://www.pinterest.com/marylindsey...
Amazon US -> http://amzn.to/1OJTiK0
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
November 20, 2015
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5 STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
More than pleasantly surprised by Chance of a Lifetime!
First time reading this author (I think…) and it won’t be my last seeing as I have 2 more Anderson brothers to get to know…better!
Marissa Clarke really had me at the blurb. A blind heroine deciding to take matters of her life at hands once and for all only to end right in the lap of her highschool crush… Sign me in!
I love a good second chance at love, let it be a light read or full of angst I know I’m going to enjoy the heroes re-acquaint and get their past straight to make for a better future. Together. Swoon.
It’s where the most epic love stories come from.
Chance of a Lifetime wasn’t anything new, true, but it was light, fun and way more sexy than I thought it would be.
The writing had something really compelling as I’ve found myself reading this book in one sitting and wanting to get to know the other Anderson brothers.
Gen Richards has had enough. She won’t live a second more like the helpless girl her family thinks she is. It’s time for her to take back the reins of her own life and it’s by resurrecting an high-school old bucket list that she intend to do so.
No more being scared of everything because her overprotective brother thinks it’s not safe for her. It’s time for her to take risks, and it’s now or never.
First thing to cross out of her list? Kiss a total stranger. The sexy lonely guy her best friend spotted in the corner of the bar will do.
Turns out the stranger isn’t that much of a stranger. Chance Anderson is going to get all he has ever wished for, even if kissing Genny brings back a torrent of guilt and regrets.
Chance is Gen’s older brother best friend. He always had a thing for her but bad luck and sad circumstances drove them away.
Gen can’t believe she just kissed her old high-school crush! Still mad at Chance for his betrayal all these year ago, she’s going to trick him into helping her getting through her bucket-list.
I truly loved this book for everything it offered. A funny and feisty heroine, strong willed with an underlaying fragility. A caring and cocky but oh so troubled hero, trying to get his wrongs right and I just adored all the secondary characters. The Anderson brothers especially.
I thought the author did a great job at portraying the everyday life of what a blind person must be. It wasn’t just an accessory to the story but really the key element and everything was built around it.
The level of steam in this book particularly surprised me as I was expecting fade to black scenes and the intimacy created by the heroine’s blindness just amplified every kiss and touch.
I just adored the two of them together. The banter, the playfulness, the reenacting feelings, the chemistry… This little book had everything I’m looking for in a good contemporary romance.
Chance of a Lifetime is book 3 in the Anderson Brothers series but can be read as a complete standalone.
Arc offered in exchange for an honest review
More reviews and book talk at :
More than pleasantly surprised by Chance of a Lifetime!
First time reading this author (I think…) and it won’t be my last seeing as I have 2 more Anderson brothers to get to know…better!
Marissa Clarke really had me at the blurb. A blind heroine deciding to take matters of her life at hands once and for all only to end right in the lap of her highschool crush… Sign me in!
I love a good second chance at love, let it be a light read or full of angst I know I’m going to enjoy the heroes re-acquaint and get their past straight to make for a better future. Together. Swoon.
It’s where the most epic love stories come from.
Chance of a Lifetime wasn’t anything new, true, but it was light, fun and way more sexy than I thought it would be.
The writing had something really compelling as I’ve found myself reading this book in one sitting and wanting to get to know the other Anderson brothers.
Gen Richards has had enough. She won’t live a second more like the helpless girl her family thinks she is. It’s time for her to take back the reins of her own life and it’s by resurrecting an high-school old bucket list that she intend to do so.
No more being scared of everything because her overprotective brother thinks it’s not safe for her. It’s time for her to take risks, and it’s now or never.
First thing to cross out of her list? Kiss a total stranger. The sexy lonely guy her best friend spotted in the corner of the bar will do.
Turns out the stranger isn’t that much of a stranger. Chance Anderson is going to get all he has ever wished for, even if kissing Genny brings back a torrent of guilt and regrets.
Chance is Gen’s older brother best friend. He always had a thing for her but bad luck and sad circumstances drove them away.
Gen can’t believe she just kissed her old high-school crush! Still mad at Chance for his betrayal all these year ago, she’s going to trick him into helping her getting through her bucket-list.
I truly loved this book for everything it offered. A funny and feisty heroine, strong willed with an underlaying fragility. A caring and cocky but oh so troubled hero, trying to get his wrongs right and I just adored all the secondary characters. The Anderson brothers especially.
I thought the author did a great job at portraying the everyday life of what a blind person must be. It wasn’t just an accessory to the story but really the key element and everything was built around it.
The level of steam in this book particularly surprised me as I was expecting fade to black scenes and the intimacy created by the heroine’s blindness just amplified every kiss and touch.
I just adored the two of them together. The banter, the playfulness, the reenacting feelings, the chemistry… This little book had everything I’m looking for in a good contemporary romance.
Chance of a Lifetime is book 3 in the Anderson Brothers series but can be read as a complete standalone.
Arc offered in exchange for an honest review
More reviews and book talk at :
November 13, 2015
4 - "I won't peek if you don't." Stars!
Marissa Clarke reeled me in, and kept me on the hook from start to finish with Chance of a Lifetime, this is one of those books that you pick up expecting a light and fluffy read, and although the author gives you that, there is an awful lot of thought that went into its writing.
Dealing with blindness in any form in a fictional setting has to be handled with a certain level of respect, and I think that Marissa hit the balance perfectly with her characterization of Gen Richards, in that it was very much a part of the thread of the story, it wasn’t glamorized or overplayed, it… just was.
”Challenge accepted.”
I wasn’t a major surprise to me that I loved this book so much, the Anderson Brothers are men that once you meet them, you never really forget the time you have spent with them and Chance Anderson lived up to all expectations in that respect.
He’d taken punches for her. Gotten stitches for her. Even gone to jail for her… And she didn’t even know.
I think what made him shine is the fact that he saw Gen for who she was and not the fact that she was blind, something that her family has struggled to deal with massively from the get-go, and up to this point has had a negative impact on her life and general sense of adventure, a situation that with Chances help she’s looking rectify with her teenage bucket list.
”Freedom you earn is more powerful than the freedom handed to you.”
It was also great that the author took the lack of the sense of sight and incorporated it into the gradual building of their relationship, and reconnection after ten years apart. It gave a whole new level of depth to the sexy-times that took place between them.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I really enjoy the authors work in general, and I look forward to seeing where she takes us next.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Marissa Clarke reeled me in, and kept me on the hook from start to finish with Chance of a Lifetime, this is one of those books that you pick up expecting a light and fluffy read, and although the author gives you that, there is an awful lot of thought that went into its writing.
Dealing with blindness in any form in a fictional setting has to be handled with a certain level of respect, and I think that Marissa hit the balance perfectly with her characterization of Gen Richards, in that it was very much a part of the thread of the story, it wasn’t glamorized or overplayed, it… just was.
”Challenge accepted.”
I wasn’t a major surprise to me that I loved this book so much, the Anderson Brothers are men that once you meet them, you never really forget the time you have spent with them and Chance Anderson lived up to all expectations in that respect.
He’d taken punches for her. Gotten stitches for her. Even gone to jail for her… And she didn’t even know.
I think what made him shine is the fact that he saw Gen for who she was and not the fact that she was blind, something that her family has struggled to deal with massively from the get-go, and up to this point has had a negative impact on her life and general sense of adventure, a situation that with Chances help she’s looking rectify with her teenage bucket list.
”Freedom you earn is more powerful than the freedom handed to you.”
It was also great that the author took the lack of the sense of sight and incorporated it into the gradual building of their relationship, and reconnection after ten years apart. It gave a whole new level of depth to the sexy-times that took place between them.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I really enjoy the authors work in general, and I look forward to seeing where she takes us next.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
November 12, 2015
When Gen's young co-worker dies from chocking on a mint, she decides that life is short and she wants to complete her bucket list from when she was 15. Gen is blind and has lived under the constant protection of her brother and parents- never letting her live an independent life. When at her regular Thursday night bar, she decides to check off #1 on her list - Kiss a stranger. Gen kisses a guy at the bar but it turns out it isn't a stranger - it's her brother's best friend who she has been in love with since she knew "what went where". Chance made a mistake 10 years ago that almost got Gen killed and he's been forced to stay away from her but with one kiss, he knows he'll do anything for her - including helping her complete her bucket list.
I really liked this book. I really liked the heroine, Gen. She was blind but she wasn't afraid to live life. She was strong and intelligent. Chance was her perfect match - somebody who let her live her life and had faith in her. He never treated her like she was disabled. I loved this couple! My only complaint is that I really wish this book would've had an epilogue.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
I really liked this book. I really liked the heroine, Gen. She was blind but she wasn't afraid to live life. She was strong and intelligent. Chance was her perfect match - somebody who let her live her life and had faith in her. He never treated her like she was disabled. I loved this couple! My only complaint is that I really wish this book would've had an epilogue.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
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August 21, 2015Chance and Gen might be my favorite couple in this series. Thank you, as always, to the readers, reviewers, and friends who make it possible for me to do what I love the most.
April 22, 2019
DNF 53%
“It’s larger than I expected.”
He grinned. “Music to my ears.”
Her brow furrowed.
“What’s wrong?”
“It won’t fit.”
Her innocent frankness was the sexiest thing he’d ever experienced.
“It’s larger than I expected.”
He grinned. “Music to my ears.”
Her brow furrowed.
“What’s wrong?”
“It won’t fit.”
Her innocent frankness was the sexiest thing he’d ever experienced.
October 25, 2015
**ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review***
Chance of a Lifetime was a wonderfully told second chance romance. This story has such a feel good feeling to it. I loved both Gen and Chance and they were perfect together. Chance saw the real Gen and did not make her feel disabled. I loved the bucket list part of the story. It was fun watching Gen and Chance complete items off of her bucket list. I was glad the misunderstanding that happens 10 years was quickly resolved and we were able to see them both work at a relationship. I was very happy to see Gen finally stand up for herself and take charge of her own life. Of course Chance had her back the whole time. This was a quick read with some really good steamy moments too! Nicely done.
Chance of a Lifetime was a wonderfully told second chance romance. This story has such a feel good feeling to it. I loved both Gen and Chance and they were perfect together. Chance saw the real Gen and did not make her feel disabled. I loved the bucket list part of the story. It was fun watching Gen and Chance complete items off of her bucket list. I was glad the misunderstanding that happens 10 years was quickly resolved and we were able to see them both work at a relationship. I was very happy to see Gen finally stand up for herself and take charge of her own life. Of course Chance had her back the whole time. This was a quick read with some really good steamy moments too! Nicely done.
September 5, 2016
I liked seeing a blind lead character. I thought the story did a good job of showing that someone with a disability can be independent and capable. I wished the character had been a little more likable, though. I did like Chance, though. The bucket list plot didn't take up very much of the story like I thought it would. There was a ton more graphic sexual content than I was expecting, as well. I would've enjoyed some more character development or actual plot in place of at least a couple of those scenes, but I guess that's the genre. Overall, just an ok book for me, though may be worth the read if you're a fan of romance novels and looking for more diverse characters.
February 29, 2016
Original review on Julalicious Book Paradise
This one is definitely my favourite of the trilogy. I didn't know whether or not I would love Chance, but oh, I did love him.
He was probably the brother I didn't know very well. Each book brought it more about the brothers, but I felt like not much had been said about Chance, but still, I was really eager to read his book and learn what kind of person he was. I could have read another book about him because I seriously loved his personality. A bit cocky, sweet and charming, he is my kind of guy and obviously Gen agreed.
As for Gen, I really liked her character. I liked how confident she could be and how she really wanted to prove to everyone just how capable she could do things on her own. But, I also liked that by trying this, a part of her was still scared to tell her family just exactly how she felt. She was taking manners into her own hands, but was still staying silent towards how she felt with her family. It made her more relatable because so many of us will always have that fear that if we speak up, we will disappoint people.
Then, the two of them together... Wow, I really liked their chemistry together. If there was a moment when these two were their true selves, it was when they were together. I liked how easy their relationship evolved. It wasn't like a huge BANG and it was done. No, it was more slowly, even if the time frame isn't long.
Overall, this is really my favourite book and if for a reason or another, Marissa decided to write another book in this, I'll jump on it for sure. I wouldn't mind reading about other people from the brothers' lives and see where they are at.
This one is definitely my favourite of the trilogy. I didn't know whether or not I would love Chance, but oh, I did love him.
He was probably the brother I didn't know very well. Each book brought it more about the brothers, but I felt like not much had been said about Chance, but still, I was really eager to read his book and learn what kind of person he was. I could have read another book about him because I seriously loved his personality. A bit cocky, sweet and charming, he is my kind of guy and obviously Gen agreed.
As for Gen, I really liked her character. I liked how confident she could be and how she really wanted to prove to everyone just how capable she could do things on her own. But, I also liked that by trying this, a part of her was still scared to tell her family just exactly how she felt. She was taking manners into her own hands, but was still staying silent towards how she felt with her family. It made her more relatable because so many of us will always have that fear that if we speak up, we will disappoint people.
Then, the two of them together... Wow, I really liked their chemistry together. If there was a moment when these two were their true selves, it was when they were together. I liked how easy their relationship evolved. It wasn't like a huge BANG and it was done. No, it was more slowly, even if the time frame isn't long.
Overall, this is really my favourite book and if for a reason or another, Marissa decided to write another book in this, I'll jump on it for sure. I wouldn't mind reading about other people from the brothers' lives and see where they are at.
May 14, 2018
Big brother's best friend trope with a little twist with a blind heroine. I was glad to learn I misunderstood the blurb and Chance wasn't the one responsible for Gen's disability and she was born with it. The accident it talked about refer to an other thing that happened when she was a teenager where he let her down and they stop seeing each other after. But I wasn't wrong to think that past history and more baggage mean more heart. Which is why this book was my favorite of the series. The other reasons why ?
-The heroine tired of playing it safe and she decided to do the bucket list she wrote when she was fifteen
-Gen handle the reunion with Chance with aplomb
-The way she find to keep her pride and obtain his help with the bucket list
-That despite the heroine's bitterness, she's not inflexible and it's not too long before they find again their former friendship and just the fact she seem to realize she'll have more fun speding time with him than staying angry anyway
-Gen is a great mix of strenght and vulnerability
-The sensual games
-Chance's calm demeanor
-Chance's brother encouraging Gen to give his brother a chance
-The obvious affection between Chance and his brother with only a few words
-The cool and funny bartender, a secondary character we don't see often but who shine both times
-Jacob the chauffeur, an other great secondary character
It's sad to think it took so many years for Gen to finally tell her brother what his "good intentions in the wrong way" made her feel and that she would not accept it anymore, but seeing her stepping out of her comfort zone was a great thing to witness.
-The heroine tired of playing it safe and she decided to do the bucket list she wrote when she was fifteen
-Gen handle the reunion with Chance with aplomb
-The way she find to keep her pride and obtain his help with the bucket list
-That despite the heroine's bitterness, she's not inflexible and it's not too long before they find again their former friendship and just the fact she seem to realize she'll have more fun speding time with him than staying angry anyway
-Gen is a great mix of strenght and vulnerability
-The sensual games
-Chance's calm demeanor
-Chance's brother encouraging Gen to give his brother a chance
-The obvious affection between Chance and his brother with only a few words
-The cool and funny bartender, a secondary character we don't see often but who shine both times
-Jacob the chauffeur, an other great secondary character
It's sad to think it took so many years for Gen to finally tell her brother what his "good intentions in the wrong way" made her feel and that she would not accept it anymore, but seeing her stepping out of her comfort zone was a great thing to witness.
September 27, 2025
I really liked this book. I don't usually enjoy the second chance love stories but this one did everything right. The separation made sense and the H didn't spend all the years apart claiming love for the h while he beds every woman he can find.
Gen was a great h. I loved that she didn't let her blindness define her. And Chase was amazing. I loved that he matured and became a better man and he didn't fight his attraction for too long.
This was a great book and I want the read the others in the series. Really enjoyed this author.
Edit to add safety spoiler info 9/2025
Gen was a great h. I loved that she didn't let her blindness define her. And Chase was amazing. I loved that he matured and became a better man and he didn't fight his attraction for too long.
This was a great book and I want the read the others in the series. Really enjoyed this author.
Edit to add safety spoiler info 9/2025
October 25, 2015
This was perfection.
I loved Gen and Chance. She's sassy and sarcastic and I love her view on things {pun intended}. Chance is loyal and passionate and they're so perfect together. I absolutely loved being in both of their heads, reading them figure things out.
It was fun, flirty, and just perfectly full of fluff. This will definitely be a series I read again.
**Huge thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
I loved Gen and Chance. She's sassy and sarcastic and I love her view on things {pun intended}. Chance is loyal and passionate and they're so perfect together. I absolutely loved being in both of their heads, reading them figure things out.
It was fun, flirty, and just perfectly full of fluff. This will definitely be a series I read again.
**Huge thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
July 20, 2017
Originally posted at Booklovers For Life
“You’re my first. My first love. My only love.”
Oh god, I loved Chance of a Lifetime so, so much. When I started it, I thought it would easily be a 4 star read like the previous Anderson Brothers book was (my review here), but this… Chance and Gen’s story was so much more than I expected. It’s a gorgeous, emotional, heartwarming read I absolutely LOVED! It’s a mix of friends-to-lovers, second chance romance, and older brother’s best friend, which for sure are my top three tropes ever. So basically, this book was perfect for me.
Gen Richards is tired of her family thinking that her blindness makes her helpless and weak. She just wants to be treated like any other person – but the only person who ever treated her like normal was Chance, her old crush and her older brother’s best friend, and he abandoned her. But now, Gen is taking charge of her life, and she’s starting off by completing her high school bucket list. The first item? Kiss a stranger. And of all the people in the world, she accidentally chooses to kiss Chance… but then she realizes she’s found the perfect person to help her fulfill her bucket list.
He’d never been able to stay away. She was like a drug. He needed more. He always had. He was addicted, but had been able to control it and hide it… Until last night when she’d kissed him. He’d fallen off the wagon. Hell, the whole fucking wagon had fallen off a cliff with him on it. One taste of Genny and he was gone. The next week would be hell.
Chance has stayed out of Gen’s life for the past ten years, but he’s never forgotten her. He’s always regretted the way he left her life, but he’s here with her now to make amends and to prove to her that he’s there to say. He’s patient, supporting, loving… a swoon-worthy hero. I fell so hard for his character – he’s made his mistakes, but his number-one priority has always been Gen, and the love he’s had for her over the years comes so clearly off the pages.
“What do you see?”
“Nothing but you.”
Chance and Gen are absolutely perfect together! Gen is feisty, awesome, down-to-earth, and she never lets her blindness be a crutch for her. Chance is the only person who’s never seen her as disabled, who’s never held her back from doing what she wanted, and I loved that he admired her strength and found inspiration from it. Gen’s older brother is an obstacle in their relationship, one that both Gen and Chance need to overcome, but with the passion and love they have for each other, I had no doubt that these two would fight for their love.
“Most people would insist on leading me to him.”
“Nobody needs to lead you two to each other. You’d find each other from opposite sides of the planet.”
My heart grew so emotionally invested in Gen and Chance’s story. It was the perfect romance! And I loved that the author infused a bit of humor in this book – it wasn’t as funny as the previous one, but it was the perfect amount of humor for this story. I loved everything about this book! I read it in one sitting and I couldn’t get enough of it. I’m actually really glad that I haven’t read the first book in the series yet, because I seriously don’t want to let go of these characters!
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1WIG0MO
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April 11, 2016
Nominated for a 2016 RITA Award in the category Contemporary Romance: Short!
This story is the third in the Anderson brothers series, all standalone, and each of which I have enjoyed tremendously as lighthearted romantic comedies. The Anderson brother might share the genes that have gifted them with good looks, but each brother has been quite different in character and temperament. In this story, we get Chase who works with his brothers at their family firm but is also an adrenaline junkie who loves to do big and bold things. He's also never forgotten his first love Genny, a woman who has been blind from birth. A series of unfortunate events in their teen years destroyed their burgeoning relationship (as well as his close friendship with her brother) and he was determined to stay away from her at the request of her family. But ten years later Gen is trying to show her family that she doesn't need to be treated as a child anymore, and she's moved out to prove her independence. When she happens upon Chase at a bar, she kisses him as part of her 'I may be blind but I'm still alive' bucket list item that starts with kissing a stranger. Only she knows as soon as it's done that he is no stranger after all. With this sudden re-introduction to the teenage boy, now man, who broke her heart, can the two of them make peace with the past and make a new future together?
I had high expectations for this story which were perfectly met. I loved Gen's character, and it was delightful to see this woman who has lived with her blindness her whole life making the most of things. She doesn't wallow in self pity, she just does what she needs to do. She's tired of her family treating her like she's going to fall apart at any moment, and to prove it she's moved out on her own and is making her own living working in the sound recording field. She's feisty, funny, sweet and a wonderful, caring friend. It's no wonder that Chase has never gotten over her, though his sense of guilt over an event that could have turned out much more serious has dogged him for years. Once they are back in each other's lives, he's determined to help her any way he can, including with her bucket list (which she gleefully blackmails him into helping her with by threatening to tell her brother about their kiss). Chase goes one better, challenging her to do things that even she has doubts about. I loved the way he treated her, with respect and admiration but never seeing her as an invalid. And how sweet too, that in their years apart he still went through the effort of learning braille, and doing things in his own life so that even if he never got the chance to be with her again, she would still be a big part of his life.
They still share some definite chemistry, and now as adults there is no hesitation on their parts (despite some minor guilt Chase feels about Gen being his former friend's little sister) to explore this. They share some steamy scenes together that help them to reconnect physically and emotionally. I thought the author did an excellent job of bringing to life the challenges a blind person experiences while at the same time showing how overcoming those same challenges gives that person a new sense of self. This was truly a delightful story and one with a lot of heart to go along with the humor. 4.5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review has also been posted at: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
This story is the third in the Anderson brothers series, all standalone, and each of which I have enjoyed tremendously as lighthearted romantic comedies. The Anderson brother might share the genes that have gifted them with good looks, but each brother has been quite different in character and temperament. In this story, we get Chase who works with his brothers at their family firm but is also an adrenaline junkie who loves to do big and bold things. He's also never forgotten his first love Genny, a woman who has been blind from birth. A series of unfortunate events in their teen years destroyed their burgeoning relationship (as well as his close friendship with her brother) and he was determined to stay away from her at the request of her family. But ten years later Gen is trying to show her family that she doesn't need to be treated as a child anymore, and she's moved out to prove her independence. When she happens upon Chase at a bar, she kisses him as part of her 'I may be blind but I'm still alive' bucket list item that starts with kissing a stranger. Only she knows as soon as it's done that he is no stranger after all. With this sudden re-introduction to the teenage boy, now man, who broke her heart, can the two of them make peace with the past and make a new future together?
I had high expectations for this story which were perfectly met. I loved Gen's character, and it was delightful to see this woman who has lived with her blindness her whole life making the most of things. She doesn't wallow in self pity, she just does what she needs to do. She's tired of her family treating her like she's going to fall apart at any moment, and to prove it she's moved out on her own and is making her own living working in the sound recording field. She's feisty, funny, sweet and a wonderful, caring friend. It's no wonder that Chase has never gotten over her, though his sense of guilt over an event that could have turned out much more serious has dogged him for years. Once they are back in each other's lives, he's determined to help her any way he can, including with her bucket list (which she gleefully blackmails him into helping her with by threatening to tell her brother about their kiss). Chase goes one better, challenging her to do things that even she has doubts about. I loved the way he treated her, with respect and admiration but never seeing her as an invalid. And how sweet too, that in their years apart he still went through the effort of learning braille, and doing things in his own life so that even if he never got the chance to be with her again, she would still be a big part of his life.
They still share some definite chemistry, and now as adults there is no hesitation on their parts (despite some minor guilt Chase feels about Gen being his former friend's little sister) to explore this. They share some steamy scenes together that help them to reconnect physically and emotionally. I thought the author did an excellent job of bringing to life the challenges a blind person experiences while at the same time showing how overcoming those same challenges gives that person a new sense of self. This was truly a delightful story and one with a lot of heart to go along with the humor. 4.5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review has also been posted at: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
November 17, 2015
Marissa Clarke has made my list of favorite authors. I will be honest and admit to not reading the book blurb before I started reading Chance of a Lifetime. Thus, I had no idea what to expect. I was surprised the heroine was blind and I had no idea if her blindness was a result of something the hero did in the past.
Chance of a Lifetime is one of those romances for the ages. Gen Richards and Chance Anderson met when they were 5 and 8, after Chance attempted to defend her honor on the baseball field. Gen’s family, along with her brother who use to be Chance’s best friend, kept Gen locked in a box and never allowed her to branch out or feel like a “normal” person. Chance was different. He insisted she be included in everything they did. He never once allowed her disability to define who she was.
I went from being curious about Gen’s blindness and how that would work in a romance to being completely in awe by her determination to live her life to its fullest. I definitely wasn't expecting her to be a feisty heroine. She’s independent and comfortable in her own skin. The only things holding her back are her parents and brother.
After a tragic accident, Chance is ordered to stay away from Gen, but she’s like a magnet and he can’t stay away. So he keeps his distance, always making sure she’s okay. The two reconnect when Gen decides to fulfill her bucket list that she made ten years previously. Item one is kiss a total stranger. Oops, turns out the stranger is Chance, her high school crush. The two agree to fulfill her bucket list, realizing their feelings for one another.
There are some authors who grab you with the first words of their book and never let you go. Marissa Clarke is one of those authors. Chance and Gen are both fantastic. I could feel their love for each other coming through the pages. There were a couple of times I actually felt tears in my eyes. I’ve loved couples in the past, but these two go beyond anything I’ve ever felt for another couple.
Marissa has ended the Anderson Brothers series on a high note. Big sigh!!!! I loved this book. It should be noted Chance of a Lifetime is a standalone read.
**Personal Purchase**
Chance of a Lifetime is one of those romances for the ages. Gen Richards and Chance Anderson met when they were 5 and 8, after Chance attempted to defend her honor on the baseball field. Gen’s family, along with her brother who use to be Chance’s best friend, kept Gen locked in a box and never allowed her to branch out or feel like a “normal” person. Chance was different. He insisted she be included in everything they did. He never once allowed her disability to define who she was.
I went from being curious about Gen’s blindness and how that would work in a romance to being completely in awe by her determination to live her life to its fullest. I definitely wasn't expecting her to be a feisty heroine. She’s independent and comfortable in her own skin. The only things holding her back are her parents and brother.
After a tragic accident, Chance is ordered to stay away from Gen, but she’s like a magnet and he can’t stay away. So he keeps his distance, always making sure she’s okay. The two reconnect when Gen decides to fulfill her bucket list that she made ten years previously. Item one is kiss a total stranger. Oops, turns out the stranger is Chance, her high school crush. The two agree to fulfill her bucket list, realizing their feelings for one another.
There are some authors who grab you with the first words of their book and never let you go. Marissa Clarke is one of those authors. Chance and Gen are both fantastic. I could feel their love for each other coming through the pages. There were a couple of times I actually felt tears in my eyes. I’ve loved couples in the past, but these two go beyond anything I’ve ever felt for another couple.
Marissa has ended the Anderson Brothers series on a high note. Big sigh!!!! I loved this book. It should be noted Chance of a Lifetime is a standalone read.
**Personal Purchase**
November 16, 2015
Gen Richards has lived with her over-the-top, over-protective, over-bearing older brother, Walter, and parents. See, she’s blind which in their minds means she’s helpless and can’t do anything on her own without them there to protect her. Little do they realize just how truly independent and so-far-from-helpless-it’s-comedic Gen really is. She’s tired of living in the shadows and decides to take life by the horns and resurrect her “bucket list” she wrote at age fifteen. First thing to cross off—kiss a total stranger. Easy enough, right? Until the total stranger turns out to be not a stranger at all, but one of her brother, Walter’s best friends—Chance Anderson.
Chance thrives on adrenaline and taking chances—living up to his namesake. But one chance he’s not willing to take or risk, is hooking up with Gen. He made a horrible mistake ten years ago that led to his departure from her life and Gen’s hospitalization. He wouldn’t go there, he couldn’t go there—again. He’s not good for her and he’s willing to help Gen with knocking off things from her bucket list to keep their kiss from being shared with Walter.
But is Walter finding out really the danger? Or is Gen Chance’s kryptonite? Can Chance really merely help Gen without falling for her?
It’s been a long time since I’ve absolutely loved everything about the lead characters in a book from the very first words. Usually it takes me a chapter or two to grasp onto the leads and not let go, but I was all in with both Chance and Gen from the beginning, with Gen taking a sip of liquid courage from her beer.
I loved Gen’s strength and vulnerability. Her amazingness (yes, that’s a word) in dealing with her surroundings. How she made a niche for herself in the world—how she sure as hell wasn’t helpless, but strong, courageous, and all around amazing. And Chance. Holy hell. He never saw Gen for what she couldn’t do, but for everything she could do without sight. He never babied her, never placated or encouraged her to do something else... he just did what she needed him to do—let her live.
I cannot articulate enough how much I loved this book. Beautifully written. Extremely descriptive. Captivating can’t-put-it-down read. It’s part of a series and absolutely stands alone. ~ Missy, 5+ stars
Chance thrives on adrenaline and taking chances—living up to his namesake. But one chance he’s not willing to take or risk, is hooking up with Gen. He made a horrible mistake ten years ago that led to his departure from her life and Gen’s hospitalization. He wouldn’t go there, he couldn’t go there—again. He’s not good for her and he’s willing to help Gen with knocking off things from her bucket list to keep their kiss from being shared with Walter.
But is Walter finding out really the danger? Or is Gen Chance’s kryptonite? Can Chance really merely help Gen without falling for her?
It’s been a long time since I’ve absolutely loved everything about the lead characters in a book from the very first words. Usually it takes me a chapter or two to grasp onto the leads and not let go, but I was all in with both Chance and Gen from the beginning, with Gen taking a sip of liquid courage from her beer.
I loved Gen’s strength and vulnerability. Her amazingness (yes, that’s a word) in dealing with her surroundings. How she made a niche for herself in the world—how she sure as hell wasn’t helpless, but strong, courageous, and all around amazing. And Chance. Holy hell. He never saw Gen for what she couldn’t do, but for everything she could do without sight. He never babied her, never placated or encouraged her to do something else... he just did what she needed him to do—let her live.
I cannot articulate enough how much I loved this book. Beautifully written. Extremely descriptive. Captivating can’t-put-it-down read. It’s part of a series and absolutely stands alone. ~ Missy, 5+ stars
November 4, 2015
I'm always happy to pick up a book by Marissa Clarke and her Anderson Brothers series has so far has brought me pretty much all I could ask to find in a lighter contemporary romance. Chance of a Lifetime was no exception; romantic, fun and sexy, heart warming and at times quite emotional, Chance and Gen brought a refreshing perspective to one of my favourite tropes; second chance love.
Simply put, I adored them together. Strong and feisty, Gen is absolutely determined that her disability won't prevent her from living her life how she wants to, which is easier said than done with a family who think being blind means being helpless. Chance has been a little of a mystery in the previous books, but now is his time to shine and believe me, he does. His humour, patience, devotion and regrets over the mistakes he has made in life made him a man to fall in love with, and following a chance encounter in a bar with his childhood best friend, he finds himself offering to help her complete her bucket list.
This couple's journey was my definition of rom-com and Marissa Clarke has injected the same emotions you experience when watching a film on a screen. I howled with laughter at the verbal sparring between the Anderson men, and I must admit there were a couple of moments between Gen and Chance when I thought my eyes may leak. Add in Will and Claire and Michael and Mia's evolving lives and Gen's irritating big brother and you have the icing on the cake. And, whilst I'm a little sad that the series is complete, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it's one I'll be re-reading.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Simply put, I adored them together. Strong and feisty, Gen is absolutely determined that her disability won't prevent her from living her life how she wants to, which is easier said than done with a family who think being blind means being helpless. Chance has been a little of a mystery in the previous books, but now is his time to shine and believe me, he does. His humour, patience, devotion and regrets over the mistakes he has made in life made him a man to fall in love with, and following a chance encounter in a bar with his childhood best friend, he finds himself offering to help her complete her bucket list.
This couple's journey was my definition of rom-com and Marissa Clarke has injected the same emotions you experience when watching a film on a screen. I howled with laughter at the verbal sparring between the Anderson men, and I must admit there were a couple of moments between Gen and Chance when I thought my eyes may leak. Add in Will and Claire and Michael and Mia's evolving lives and Gen's irritating big brother and you have the icing on the cake. And, whilst I'm a little sad that the series is complete, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it's one I'll be re-reading.
Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
November 16, 2015
This was my first book from this author and I have to tell you that I really enjoyed this book. Gen Richards is blind and has a family that wants to keep her wrapped up inside a bubble. However after a coworker dies suddenly she decides that she is done with that and pulls out her bucket list that she made as teen. She is going to work her way through each of the items on there starting with number 1. Which happens to be kissing a stranger. So, with a little guidance from her friend, she walks up to a stranger in the bar and lays one on him. Good to go, right?
WRONG!! Because the stranger isn't a stranger at all. Instead he happens to be her teenage crush and brother's best friend. The guy she hasn't seen in ten years and the last time she did see him was as he was leaving her in the hospital. Chance Anderson knows that he is the last man that Gen needs. The last time they were together things happened and she ended up in the hospital. The only problem is he can't stay away. Even after he promised her brother he would. After finding out about her bucket list he agrees to help her. After all he needs to make sure she is safe doing all the things on there.
There are so many things to love about this book. I adore the fact that Chance fell in love with Gen when she saw her telling her dolly not to cry because of the boys laughing at her. He never saw her as disabled and that makes him all the more perfect to me. Gen's brother is another story! I wanted to punch him from the get go. Although there were a couple of times I wanted to slap her as well I love when she finally stood up to her brother. Gen and Chance are perfect together even though it took them both a long time to realize that, although the long time driver always knew it.
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was first published atBlushing Reads.
WRONG!! Because the stranger isn't a stranger at all. Instead he happens to be her teenage crush and brother's best friend. The guy she hasn't seen in ten years and the last time she did see him was as he was leaving her in the hospital. Chance Anderson knows that he is the last man that Gen needs. The last time they were together things happened and she ended up in the hospital. The only problem is he can't stay away. Even after he promised her brother he would. After finding out about her bucket list he agrees to help her. After all he needs to make sure she is safe doing all the things on there.
There are so many things to love about this book. I adore the fact that Chance fell in love with Gen when she saw her telling her dolly not to cry because of the boys laughing at her. He never saw her as disabled and that makes him all the more perfect to me. Gen's brother is another story! I wanted to punch him from the get go. Although there were a couple of times I wanted to slap her as well I love when she finally stood up to her brother. Gen and Chance are perfect together even though it took them both a long time to realize that, although the long time driver always knew it.
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was first published atBlushing Reads.
November 14, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am ashamed to admit that I've never read a book from Marissa Clarke before. I did see the release of the book that preceded Chance Of A Lifetime, and I don't know why I didn't pick it up for review. Maybe I had too many books scheduled, or maybe I was just stupid. Anyway, when I read the blurb for this book, I just couldn't let it pass. It's no secret that I'm a sucker for that friends-to-lovers trope. Add in the forbidden kind of love element, and I'm all in.
I really liked this book's heroine. While she had challenges all her life, her spirit was alive and brave. There may have been years when she was controlled by her family, but come one, we all make sacrifices for the ones we love. That includes setting aside the things we want and trying to live our lives in a way that keeps them from worrying about us.
The main characters were great together. I liked their transition from friends to falling in love to trying to keep their feelings a secret and everything in between and after. I think I am really going back to the first two books in this series because I believe Ms. Clarke is a very good writer, and if the other two are as good as this, then I'd be so happy. She's now an author I will definitely be watching out for.
I am ashamed to admit that I've never read a book from Marissa Clarke before. I did see the release of the book that preceded Chance Of A Lifetime, and I don't know why I didn't pick it up for review. Maybe I had too many books scheduled, or maybe I was just stupid. Anyway, when I read the blurb for this book, I just couldn't let it pass. It's no secret that I'm a sucker for that friends-to-lovers trope. Add in the forbidden kind of love element, and I'm all in.
I really liked this book's heroine. While she had challenges all her life, her spirit was alive and brave. There may have been years when she was controlled by her family, but come one, we all make sacrifices for the ones we love. That includes setting aside the things we want and trying to live our lives in a way that keeps them from worrying about us.
The main characters were great together. I liked their transition from friends to falling in love to trying to keep their feelings a secret and everything in between and after. I think I am really going back to the first two books in this series because I believe Ms. Clarke is a very good writer, and if the other two are as good as this, then I'd be so happy. She's now an author I will definitely be watching out for.
November 16, 2015
Great story about Gen Richards, who has been blind all her life and Chance Anderson the guy who has had a crush on her for a long time. There was an “incident” in the past and he has been not allowed near her since she was about 15//16 years old so Gen went from hero worshipping him to hating him. She found out one night that it was him following her around and she sort of blackmailed him into helping her do a “bucket list” of things she wants to do and from there the story beautifully unfolds. Chance has a story of why the “incident” happened and he would love ot set the record straight but getting Gen to believe him and he really has this guilt down pat… their love story unfolds and it is wonderful. Loved the supporting cast and Gen’s brother starts off as a jerk but by the end of the story, he does start to come down off his high horse. This is a winner of a story. I would love to see a story about Gen’s brother someday –I think there is more to him here-IMO.
My rating: 4.0 stars ****
***A gifted copy was provided by the publisher via NETGALLEY for my honest review****
November 6, 2015
I LOVED this one. This book was so much more than I expected. Not that I didn't expect a lot from this author. The prior two Anderson Bros. books have been fun lighthearted reads. This one took the emotional level up about 10 notches while still giving us the fun part. Chance is the adrenaline junkie of the Anderson brothers but in his heart he loves hard and deep and there has only been one woman who has made it into his heart.
Gen Richards may be blind but that doesn't mean she can't take care of herself. Convincing her overprotective family of that fact is easier said than done. So to prove her independence she decides with the help of her friends to complete a bucket list she made when she was a young teen, she never could have imagined her first daring venture would bring Chance Anderson back into her life.
Chance and Gen's story will definitely tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a very satisfied smile on your face in the end. This is one I HIGHLY recommend.
Gen Richards may be blind but that doesn't mean she can't take care of herself. Convincing her overprotective family of that fact is easier said than done. So to prove her independence she decides with the help of her friends to complete a bucket list she made when she was a young teen, she never could have imagined her first daring venture would bring Chance Anderson back into her life.
Chance and Gen's story will definitely tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a very satisfied smile on your face in the end. This is one I HIGHLY recommend.
November 8, 2015
4.5 stars
Chance of a Lifetime was a beautifully written romance that left me with a heart full of happy feels.
Loved both Chance and Gen, they truly touched my heart. Their story was sweet, heartwarming and very entertaining.
I enjoyed watching them fall in love and find their HEA.
What a great read the Anderson Brothers series has turned out to be, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them all.
Thank you to Entangled Lovestruck via Netgalley for the advance copy.
Chance of a Lifetime was a beautifully written romance that left me with a heart full of happy feels.
Loved both Chance and Gen, they truly touched my heart. Their story was sweet, heartwarming and very entertaining.
I enjoyed watching them fall in love and find their HEA.
What a great read the Anderson Brothers series has turned out to be, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them all.
Thank you to Entangled Lovestruck via Netgalley for the advance copy.
August 19, 2025
Hayatı boyunca görme engeli olan kız ‘keşke görebilseydim’ dediği sırada ‘ben görebilmeni istemezdim yoksa normal insanlardan farkın kalmazdı’ diyen chance hayvanlığı
March 23, 2022
3.5 stars
Grade=B-
Grade=B-
November 16, 2015
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
After having read the first two books in the series, I had great expectations for this third and last book, focused on the youngest Anderson brother, Chance.
We finally learn the reason why Chance goes to a bar every friday when he doesn't even drink. And it seems Mia was right all along, it is because of a girl he likes...
Actually, Gen is the only woman Chance has ever liked. Unfortunately, she's also his childhood best friend's little sister. And the woman he let down 10 years ago...
Gen was born blind and has always been extremely protected by her family, especially by her brother Walter. In fact, the only person that treats her normally is Chance. Is it such a wonder that she fell in love with him while they were teenagers? But at New Year's Eve, when she had planned to get alone with Chance and get him to kiss her, she's abandoned by him at the pier and, confused, ends up falling on the water. And when the next day Chance finally visits her at the hospital, he fails to provide an explanation and simply disappears from her life. And Gen gives in to her family's extreme protection.
But recently Gen resolved to start living her life in her own way: she's very successful in her work and has moved out of her parents place and is living with a friend with whom she goes to the same bar every friday night... And this friday she's made another resolution: she's going to fulfill every item on the bucket list she wrote at 15. Starting with kissing a perfect stranger...
Chance promised Walter, 10 years ago, that he would stay away from Gen, but he cannot stop going to the bar he knows she is at every friday. He never planned to announce his presence or his identity, but when Gen walks over to him one night and kisses him, he's incapable to keep quiet. And is rewarded with a slap in the face...
In exchange for Gen's silence, Chance agrees to help her complete her bucket list. But the more time they spend together, the more obvious it gets that their feelings haven't changed in the last 10 years. However, can Gen overcome the grief and the fear of being abandoned again? And Chance, being as honorable as he is, will he be able to break his promise and be happy with the woman he loves?
I loved this series, especially because the author, by making the Anderson brothers so different from one another, has also made them very real. Chance is completely different from his brothers, he's calm, discreet and passionate. Yes, unlike Will and Michael, who really struggled with understanding or accepting they were in love, Chance is fully aware that he never stopped being in love. The conflict is a result of the fear of not being the right man for Gen, not from a compromise phobia. Chance is an amazing protagonist, especially because he gives Gen space and time to decide what she really wants, without pressuring or influencing her in any way.
I think this was the first time I read a story with a blind protagonist, but her lack of sight didn't make me like her any less. She's a strong woman who has to fight the exaggerated protection of the ones who love her and prove to them that she can be self-sufficient. And that decides to finally experiment everything she has ever wanted to try but was always too scared to do it.
I really liked them as a couple, they complete each other perfectly, and they're the type of couple that leaves no doubt that theirs will be a happily ever after. And it was so good to see Will and Claire and Michael and Mia again! I'm really going to miss these brothers and the women of their lives...
After having read the first two books in the series, I had great expectations for this third and last book, focused on the youngest Anderson brother, Chance.
We finally learn the reason why Chance goes to a bar every friday when he doesn't even drink. And it seems Mia was right all along, it is because of a girl he likes...
Actually, Gen is the only woman Chance has ever liked. Unfortunately, she's also his childhood best friend's little sister. And the woman he let down 10 years ago...
Gen was born blind and has always been extremely protected by her family, especially by her brother Walter. In fact, the only person that treats her normally is Chance. Is it such a wonder that she fell in love with him while they were teenagers? But at New Year's Eve, when she had planned to get alone with Chance and get him to kiss her, she's abandoned by him at the pier and, confused, ends up falling on the water. And when the next day Chance finally visits her at the hospital, he fails to provide an explanation and simply disappears from her life. And Gen gives in to her family's extreme protection.
But recently Gen resolved to start living her life in her own way: she's very successful in her work and has moved out of her parents place and is living with a friend with whom she goes to the same bar every friday night... And this friday she's made another resolution: she's going to fulfill every item on the bucket list she wrote at 15. Starting with kissing a perfect stranger...
Chance promised Walter, 10 years ago, that he would stay away from Gen, but he cannot stop going to the bar he knows she is at every friday. He never planned to announce his presence or his identity, but when Gen walks over to him one night and kisses him, he's incapable to keep quiet. And is rewarded with a slap in the face...
In exchange for Gen's silence, Chance agrees to help her complete her bucket list. But the more time they spend together, the more obvious it gets that their feelings haven't changed in the last 10 years. However, can Gen overcome the grief and the fear of being abandoned again? And Chance, being as honorable as he is, will he be able to break his promise and be happy with the woman he loves?
I loved this series, especially because the author, by making the Anderson brothers so different from one another, has also made them very real. Chance is completely different from his brothers, he's calm, discreet and passionate. Yes, unlike Will and Michael, who really struggled with understanding or accepting they were in love, Chance is fully aware that he never stopped being in love. The conflict is a result of the fear of not being the right man for Gen, not from a compromise phobia. Chance is an amazing protagonist, especially because he gives Gen space and time to decide what she really wants, without pressuring or influencing her in any way.
I think this was the first time I read a story with a blind protagonist, but her lack of sight didn't make me like her any less. She's a strong woman who has to fight the exaggerated protection of the ones who love her and prove to them that she can be self-sufficient. And that decides to finally experiment everything she has ever wanted to try but was always too scared to do it.
I really liked them as a couple, they complete each other perfectly, and they're the type of couple that leaves no doubt that theirs will be a happily ever after. And it was so good to see Will and Claire and Michael and Mia again! I'm really going to miss these brothers and the women of their lives...
October 3, 2020
Originally posted on Book-o-Craze, on a tour hosted by Tasty Book Tours.
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When one of Gen's colleagues, only one year older than her, dies by choking on a mint, the 25-year-old woman decides to step up the game and actually start living her life, instead of keeping on leading a peaceful life guarded closely by her older brother. As a blind girl, and later woman, her family has always been a little overprotective of her, and just a bit on the disappointed side.
While on an outing with her friend, Gen decides to take out of her wallet her bucket list of things to do, which she created 10 years earlier. The first thing on the list? Kiss a total stranger! But, what happens if the total stranger she kissed proves to be far from stranger?
Ten years ago, when Gen and her brother were still friends with Chance Anderson, a terrible accident happened, leading to the disappointment of Gen's brother towards his former best friend, and the one Gen started to feel herself about Chance, after his disappearance. Now, all those years later, they reunite through the strangest of ways! Chance has sworn to Gen's brother he won't touch his sister again! But, what happens when they discover their mutual attraction for each other?
I just loved this story! And, I loved even more the way the author narrated it!
Readers do not realize at first that Gen is blind. Actually this happens almost at the end of the second chapter, in a completely natural way, emphasizing what the heroine has also said multiple times through the course of the story: Just because she is blind, it doesn't mean she is handicapped, disabled, or helpless. She can live her life just like everyone else, especially since the technology has advanced so much, that she can navigate herself through the city quite easily. She is also no helpless damsel in distress that needs someone to protect and guard her at all times! I loved this fact about the heroine! Gen is a strong, brave, independent young woman who decides to live her life to the fullest. I adored her for that!
I also loved Chance, and the way he viewed and behaved towards Gen! He was protective with her, sure, but not because he considered her weak or helpless. On the contrary, he felt a deep affection towards Gen, and wanted her to do everything that non-blind people do! He is a great and quite realistic character, perfectly described by the author as a tortured individual everybody thought as damaged, so he damaged himself just to prove them right!
I won't say much about the attraction between the heroes, as this is fairly obvious right from the start! And, the way the author described everything? Just marvelous!
All in all, 5 stars for a deep and beautiful read with realistically strong characters!
Blog ∙ YouTube ∙ Instagram ∙ Facebook ∙ Twitter
When one of Gen's colleagues, only one year older than her, dies by choking on a mint, the 25-year-old woman decides to step up the game and actually start living her life, instead of keeping on leading a peaceful life guarded closely by her older brother. As a blind girl, and later woman, her family has always been a little overprotective of her, and just a bit on the disappointed side.
While on an outing with her friend, Gen decides to take out of her wallet her bucket list of things to do, which she created 10 years earlier. The first thing on the list? Kiss a total stranger! But, what happens if the total stranger she kissed proves to be far from stranger?
Ten years ago, when Gen and her brother were still friends with Chance Anderson, a terrible accident happened, leading to the disappointment of Gen's brother towards his former best friend, and the one Gen started to feel herself about Chance, after his disappearance. Now, all those years later, they reunite through the strangest of ways! Chance has sworn to Gen's brother he won't touch his sister again! But, what happens when they discover their mutual attraction for each other?
I just loved this story! And, I loved even more the way the author narrated it!
Readers do not realize at first that Gen is blind. Actually this happens almost at the end of the second chapter, in a completely natural way, emphasizing what the heroine has also said multiple times through the course of the story: Just because she is blind, it doesn't mean she is handicapped, disabled, or helpless. She can live her life just like everyone else, especially since the technology has advanced so much, that she can navigate herself through the city quite easily. She is also no helpless damsel in distress that needs someone to protect and guard her at all times! I loved this fact about the heroine! Gen is a strong, brave, independent young woman who decides to live her life to the fullest. I adored her for that!
I also loved Chance, and the way he viewed and behaved towards Gen! He was protective with her, sure, but not because he considered her weak or helpless. On the contrary, he felt a deep affection towards Gen, and wanted her to do everything that non-blind people do! He is a great and quite realistic character, perfectly described by the author as a tortured individual everybody thought as damaged, so he damaged himself just to prove them right!
I won't say much about the attraction between the heroes, as this is fairly obvious right from the start! And, the way the author described everything? Just marvelous!
All in all, 5 stars for a deep and beautiful read with realistically strong characters!
January 9, 2016
"How could this have happened? Of the thousands of people she could have randomly kissed in the city, it had to be Chance."
I love a good friends to lovers story! This one is a great one!
Gen has always struggled to be seen. How ironic, since she is without sight herself. Everyone makes her take the "safe" way around everything and forgets to consider her-her wants, her needs. Everyone except for her big brother's best friend, Chance. She's been pining after him since childhood. She couldn't seem to resist him.
Chance has always considered Gen one of his best friends. That's why romance between them could never happen. That and her brother, his best friend, would kill him. So when Genny kissed him out of nowhere, he didn't know what to do. Especially since he hadn't talked to her in ten years because of a horrible accident that haunts him to this day.
"Bucket list. Who on Earth made bucket lists? Genny did. And she wouldn't let him see it. He had agreed blind..he almost laughed at the irony."
I loved the idea of him helping her accomplish the items on her bucket list!! After their falling out all those years ago, this was a perfect way to figure out his reasonings behind the disappearance. Even if she will have a hard time not blurring the lines.
I got a huge crush on Chance while reading! As the story unfolds, you figure out why he left and what he went through for ten years. It was heartbreaking and swoonworthy at the same time!
"He'd never be able to stay away. She was like a drug. He needed more. He always had. He was addicted, but had been unable to control it and hide it...Until last night when she'd kissed him."
There were moments in this book where I found myself tearing up because the situation was a tough one. A man who was weighted down by his own ten year old guilt, fighting for his feelings of the only woman he ever really cared for. And a woman who fought everyday for her freedom, and only wanted to be let go from the binds her family put her under.
My heart pulled for both of these characters as they slowly fell more in love with each other. Gen's bucket list, even though it was made when she was 15, was just what she needed, and Chance was the perfect person to help her accomplish all ten items.
"Chance was her knight in shining armor, ready to battle against the dragon and free her from her prison. If only it were that simple."
I really enjoyed this book! It was the first one I read in the series, and now I want to read the rest!!!
This author did a great job with each of these characters and painting a perfect picture of Gen's life through her "eyes". It was truly beautful.
"What do you see?"
"Nothing but you."
"I'm not kidding."
"Neither am I."
I love a good friends to lovers story! This one is a great one!
Gen has always struggled to be seen. How ironic, since she is without sight herself. Everyone makes her take the "safe" way around everything and forgets to consider her-her wants, her needs. Everyone except for her big brother's best friend, Chance. She's been pining after him since childhood. She couldn't seem to resist him.
Chance has always considered Gen one of his best friends. That's why romance between them could never happen. That and her brother, his best friend, would kill him. So when Genny kissed him out of nowhere, he didn't know what to do. Especially since he hadn't talked to her in ten years because of a horrible accident that haunts him to this day.
"Bucket list. Who on Earth made bucket lists? Genny did. And she wouldn't let him see it. He had agreed blind..he almost laughed at the irony."
I loved the idea of him helping her accomplish the items on her bucket list!! After their falling out all those years ago, this was a perfect way to figure out his reasonings behind the disappearance. Even if she will have a hard time not blurring the lines.
I got a huge crush on Chance while reading! As the story unfolds, you figure out why he left and what he went through for ten years. It was heartbreaking and swoonworthy at the same time!
"He'd never be able to stay away. She was like a drug. He needed more. He always had. He was addicted, but had been unable to control it and hide it...Until last night when she'd kissed him."
There were moments in this book where I found myself tearing up because the situation was a tough one. A man who was weighted down by his own ten year old guilt, fighting for his feelings of the only woman he ever really cared for. And a woman who fought everyday for her freedom, and only wanted to be let go from the binds her family put her under.
My heart pulled for both of these characters as they slowly fell more in love with each other. Gen's bucket list, even though it was made when she was 15, was just what she needed, and Chance was the perfect person to help her accomplish all ten items.
"Chance was her knight in shining armor, ready to battle against the dragon and free her from her prison. If only it were that simple."
I really enjoyed this book! It was the first one I read in the series, and now I want to read the rest!!!
This author did a great job with each of these characters and painting a perfect picture of Gen's life through her "eyes". It was truly beautful.
"What do you see?"
"Nothing but you."
"I'm not kidding."
"Neither am I."
July 25, 2016
Dear readers, if you've come this far to check this book out, prepare to encounter one of the most endearing and "heroic" heroines you've ever come across in a work of fiction. Not to mention the gallant hero who loves her. Gen Richards, blind since birth, has been in love with Chance Anderson since he stood up to bullies tormenting her because of her disability when they were children. Fast friends until Gen was 15, a tragic and misunderstood accident forcefully separated the two of them for a decade. Gen's over-protective brother and her parents have suffocated her with their attempts to keep her safe and secure, not realizing how independent and self-sufficient she is as an adult. When a young co-worker dies suddenly she resurrects her bucket list which she penned at age 15. First on the list? Kiss a complete stranger. She accomplishes this and who should be the lucky recipient but Chance, her older brother's former best friend! Knowing he has been forbidden to contact Gen by her zealous older brother (practically under penalty of death) he is coerced by Gen into being her bucket list accomplice. Also on the list: riding a roller coaster, wading through a fountain, skinny dipping, and losing her virginity with the right somebody. Everyone but Gen thinks the risk-taking Chance is too dangerous for her but neither of them can resist the sexual attraction that engulfs them. Can Chance convince her family he has changed? Has he changed? Gen wants the real truth of his decade-long avoidance. The Author treats the reader with hilarious sight gags and hijinks on their bucket list adventure. The treatment of Gen's blindness is handled with great insight and understanding as the author has obviously done her valid research on the implications of blindness and coping with the daily challenges such a disability incurs. This reviewer should know because he was blessed to have had a six month affair with a woman blind since birth and can corroborate the validity of the behavior and mannerisms of the lovable heroine. Although the book contains more profanity and explicit sex than my sensibilities allow, I nevertheless gave it 5 stars because of the special relationship between Gen and Chance, not to mention the heart-melting plot of the story.
November 13, 2015
See more of my reviews on my blog Thoughts At One In The Morning.
My Thoughts:
The first two books in the Anderson Brothers series were great. Book one, Sleeping With The Boss, was my first Marissa Clarke book, and one of my very first Entangled Lovestruck books. I'll never forget how exciting it was to read. And now that I've read the third book, I'm pleased to announce I have a new favorite in the series!
Genny isn't your usual heroine--she's blind and has been for awhile. She's decided to complete some items on a bucket list, including kissing a total stranger. When she accidentally kisses Chance, a childhood friend who abandoned and hurt her years ago, old feelings resurface, along with an opportunity. He promises to help Genny mark off everything on the bucket list, despite the fact that his helping her could get him into trouble. Chance promised her brother he would stay away from her...but things are different now. Is there a chance that they can move beyond their past and step into a beautiful future?
Chance of a Lifetime was a spectacular story. Not only was it unique, but it was so full of heart, there were times I couldn't stop clutching mine and wanting to tear up. Chance lived his life with Genny in mind--he never forgot her--and it showed in every single thing he's ever done. I loved to see them both get a second chance together, to find out the truth about the past, and to experience life in a whole new way. Bravo, Marissa Clarke, for creating such a beautiful story.
My Rating: Exceptional
My Thoughts:
The first two books in the Anderson Brothers series were great. Book one, Sleeping With The Boss, was my first Marissa Clarke book, and one of my very first Entangled Lovestruck books. I'll never forget how exciting it was to read. And now that I've read the third book, I'm pleased to announce I have a new favorite in the series!
Genny isn't your usual heroine--she's blind and has been for awhile. She's decided to complete some items on a bucket list, including kissing a total stranger. When she accidentally kisses Chance, a childhood friend who abandoned and hurt her years ago, old feelings resurface, along with an opportunity. He promises to help Genny mark off everything on the bucket list, despite the fact that his helping her could get him into trouble. Chance promised her brother he would stay away from her...but things are different now. Is there a chance that they can move beyond their past and step into a beautiful future?
Chance of a Lifetime was a spectacular story. Not only was it unique, but it was so full of heart, there were times I couldn't stop clutching mine and wanting to tear up. Chance lived his life with Genny in mind--he never forgot her--and it showed in every single thing he's ever done. I loved to see them both get a second chance together, to find out the truth about the past, and to experience life in a whole new way. Bravo, Marissa Clarke, for creating such a beautiful story.
My Rating: Exceptional
November 17, 2015
Received in exchange for a honest review
This was fun and sweet and uplifting. chance is awesome. What makes chance great is who he is on the inside. He has loved Gen since he was little. Always striving to be what she deserves but never feeling he did. He always treated like she could do anything and wasn’t handicapped. Something her family didn’t do. they treated her like a fragile flower and she never really stood up for herself. That is until chance comes back into her life and gives her the strength, support encouragement and love she needed to see that she is worth it. that she is a strong beautiful capable young woman worth fighting for.
Chance is insecure about some things but wonderful on others. He learns Braille and will do things blindfolded so that he can see things from Gens perspective. So he can understand her world. He doesn’t treat her like anyone but herself. He loves her unconditionally and is loyal and kind. He is also misunderstood. He made a mistake in high school and paid for it in spades. So much that he began to believe what people thought because even his best friend didn’t think good of him.
Chance’s family is great. So supportive and loyal. they are there for chance no matter what. they even show Gen love and support. They let her see that she is capable of being on her own.
the story is fun and flirty. When they are intimate it is beautiful and sexy. These two start as feeling each other out after so much time away from each other and slowly find their way to love each other again. They go on a bucket list adventure that helps each find their happiness within and with each other.
This was fun and sweet and uplifting. chance is awesome. What makes chance great is who he is on the inside. He has loved Gen since he was little. Always striving to be what she deserves but never feeling he did. He always treated like she could do anything and wasn’t handicapped. Something her family didn’t do. they treated her like a fragile flower and she never really stood up for herself. That is until chance comes back into her life and gives her the strength, support encouragement and love she needed to see that she is worth it. that she is a strong beautiful capable young woman worth fighting for.
Chance is insecure about some things but wonderful on others. He learns Braille and will do things blindfolded so that he can see things from Gens perspective. So he can understand her world. He doesn’t treat her like anyone but herself. He loves her unconditionally and is loyal and kind. He is also misunderstood. He made a mistake in high school and paid for it in spades. So much that he began to believe what people thought because even his best friend didn’t think good of him.
Chance’s family is great. So supportive and loyal. they are there for chance no matter what. they even show Gen love and support. They let her see that she is capable of being on her own.
the story is fun and flirty. When they are intimate it is beautiful and sexy. These two start as feeling each other out after so much time away from each other and slowly find their way to love each other again. They go on a bucket list adventure that helps each find their happiness within and with each other.
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