Take a Chance on Me

by M.J. Schiller

Leaving the Midwest to follow her boyfriend to Victory, New York was a mistake.

When he gambles away her college savings, and is caught with a prostitute, it is clear that Harper gave her heart—and ATM card—to the wrong man. Embarrassed, and having no means to get home, she tries to pick up the pieces of her life in Victory. But when she witnesses her friend’s murder, her luck turns even colder, and the stakes are raised.

He wants to rid his little part of the world of crime.

But a certain red-headed dealer at La Bonne Chance casino is a distraction he can’t turn away from…and he’s not sure he wants to. When Harper is hunted by mobsters, Cash will do anything to keep her safe, even if it means going all in and putting his heart on the table.

Will Cash find Harper before the mob can?

And even if he does, will he be able to convince her to take a chance on him when everything around her is a lie? Harper is on the biggest losing streak of her life. But with the bad guys hot on her trail, is Cash a winning bet? If she makes another mistake, it could be her final wager.

Will they be lucky in love, or are they running out of chips?


REAL ROMANCE COLLECTION
"Upon a Midnight Clear"

"The Heart Teaches Best"

"Damage Done"

"Blackout"

"Hometown Heartache"



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221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2020

About the author

I was born in Overland Park, KS, in the heart of Tornado Alley, and my life has been a bit twisted since. Actually, it’s not all that twisted, but I’ve always wanted to use that line. I grew up in St. Louis, MO, went to school at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and moved to Bloomington, IL, fresh out of college, after my husband got a job at State Farm’s corporate headquarters. I’ve worked as a high school/junior college teacher, personnel recruiter, office manager of a jewelry store, and, for the past ten years, as a lunch lady. I like to karaoke and attend rock concerts. I am actively involved at church and spend too much time on Facebook. I am the mother of a eighteen-year-old, and sixteen-year-old triplets, and have been married to my husband, Don, for over twenty-four years.
I have been a writer all my life. My first book, which was co-written with Mary Ellen Murphey in second grade, was titled The Black Cat, and was written on blue hotel stationary, hole-punched, and bound by white yarn. I believe it is currently out of circulation.
When I turned forty, I had an epiphany of sorts. I realized those bigwig publishing houses in New York were now probably run by people younger than me, so I shouldn’t be intimidated by them. At about the same time I was watching one of those award shows, and Jaclyn Smith got up to give a post-humorous award to Aaron Spelling. She credited him for encouraging her to go into acting, saying something brilliant like, “Reach for your dreams.” Nothing new. Almost even seems a little Jiminy Cricketish. But, for some reason, it struck me that night. When Aaron Spelling was thirteen, he was probably just like any other acned thirteen-year-old. But he worked to achieve his dreams, and became a household name. So, I began to write. Once I finished my first book, I wasn’t able to stop. I would rather write than do just about anything else. After all, you get to make people (characters) do what you want and design your own happy endings. What power! What a privilege.

Reviews

[Elysian Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I get into this specific review let me say that the reason I love this author is because her stories and her characters are real. I have never read one of her books where I couldn’t picture myself being friends with the characters and having real talks with them. These characters are you best friends, your neighbors and your co-workers; that is what makes these stories come alive for me.

Now for my review, Take a Chance on Me is defiantly a story to take a chance on. It has heart pounding moments, action, redemption, romance and wonderful characters.

Harper is having a hard time at the moment. She has just found out the true nature of her boyfriend, witnessed a tragedy that will affect the rest of her life and is being harassed by the mob. While she sets out to get control of her life back, she finds more than she ever expected. Harper is a very realistic, strong character that transforms between the pages of this story. She deals with her troubles in an adult way and finds a bit of herself in the journey. I loved her determination but also her skepticism, her desire and her willingness to trust in difficult circumstances.

Cash is a cop and he is bound and determined (for more than professional reasons) to take down the local mob and to clean up his streets. He is headstrong but also introspective, protective and princely. In the process of his professional work he finds his one love and that passion and protectiveness is what adds greatness to this story.

From the opening scene I could feel the attraction and wariness between these two characters. I wanted to know their story; I needed to follow their romance to see just to get to their HEA. The actions in the plot along with the romance are what make this an awesome read; what gives me the pull to turn the page. The author created a really great balance between the development of the romance, the action and challenge of taking down the mob in this book.

[Colin Guest · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. It held my attention from beginning to end. I highly rate this book for those who like a a mix of intrigue, sex and violence. Without a doubt this story has it all.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by M.J. Schiller that I have read and it was a good book. Take a Chance on Me was full of suspense, action, and romance. I loved the way the author wrote the characters as I could visualize them fully in the story. Cash was a cop who wanted to end the mob and clean up the streets. In the process of dealing with the mob he finds his one love, Harper. Harper had a tough start as she was taken by her boyfriend for all her money and witnessed a tragedy, which got her involved with the mob. Do Cash and Harper get their HEA. You will need to read the story which is an easy and quick read with an interesting plot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Floraljoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite enjoyable:
Harper and Cash made a nice couple and I was glad that things worked out for them. I would have liked to feel more of an intensity between them but I liked seeing their emotional sides.
Whilst I enjoyed the drama and action, it unfortunately fell a little flat and I was looking for a bit more tension and suspense. It was quite a simple and quick read but still it had an interesting plot, enjoyable characters and plenty of action.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelly Wygant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cash and Harper meet when he sits at her table in the casino. Cash is there to for his job but enjoys talking to Harper. When Harper see her friend murdered, she goes on the run. Cash steps up to protect her.

This story was full of angst, suspense, murder, mystery, and action right from the beginning. You can't help but feel for all the pain that Harper is going through. Cash will do anything to protect her. As they race against time roadblocks are constantly thrown at them with murder and mayhem. In the end will Cash and Harper have their happy ending.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely read with enough action and suspense to keep me reading throughout the night.

Harper the main female character is very likeable and relatable. I was rooting for her all the way through. After losing everything she finds herself all alone and in trouble.
Cash is a cop who I also liked. He takes his job seriously and wants to protect Harper.
Will they get a happy ever after?

I really enjoyed this story and looking forward to reading more from this author.