Chicago by Chance

Protecting Love #2

by Michelle Donn

A one-night stand, a new city, and a danger she never saw coming.


Katherine Ford thought the public scandal she left behind in DC was the worst life could send her way. She was wrong.

Her fresh start in Chicago isn’t the new beginning she dreamed of—it’s a nightmare. An ambitious real estate deal lands her on the wrong side of the Chicago mob. And her only ally is the one night stand she can’t forget.


Falling into bed with a sexy redhead that lives on the other side of the county isn’t Air Marshal Craig March’s usual style. But Katherine Ford is an unusual woman. When her life is threatened, he’ll risk it all to protect her.


•••••


Chicago by Chance is a steamy, standalone, romantic suspense story with nail-biting action. Expect tangled sheets and perilous rescues. A protective hero and a bold heroine in a long-distance relationship must overcome more than geography for their happily ever after.

Genres: Romance

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2021

About the author

Aim for the Heart!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lf7xJ9
Facebook: https://bit.ly/30xPjuN
Website michelledonn.com

Michelle introduced herself to romance novels by stealing them off her mother’s bookshelf. She got caught red-handed when she destroyed a new book by dropping in the bathtub before her mom could read it. From stolen paperbacks to an overloaded iPad, Michelle’s passion for reading grew into her debut contemporary romance novel: Savannah Run.

She lives in the South Carolina with her real-life prince charming, three dogs and two horses. Most evenings, you will find her enjoying a cocktail, and working out the plot of her next book with her husband.

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read of this author and I will look for me. The suspense kept me flipping pages and looking to see what happens next. I love a strong confident lady lead, and the chemistry between the main characters was strong.

Katherine is starting a new adventure in a new city with her best friend/assistant with her. Not entirely sure what to expect but ready to hit the ground running. After being in the wrong place at the wrong time upon arrival things seem to be working out okay until, she starts working on her first job. Then she quickly finds out that she has some people that aren't too happy to have a new lady trying to run the show in their town.

Craig has been around the block a time or two. A round of service for the country, now working for DHS and travelling the world. The only reason he has a home base in Dallas is for his practically adult daughter. But his work for DHS is a job only, he has lost the love of what he does. He certainly wasn't prepared for Katherine Ford when he landed in Chicago. Is it time to reach out and search for more?

Can this pairing of opposites find an even ground? It is maybe worth taking the risk on something more?

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this second book in the Metropolitan series featuring Katherine and Craig. It has romance mixed with danger and now one my favorite female characters: Katherine

I met Katherine in Savannah’s Run as a bold, put together female friend willing to put herself at risk for her friend. The scene is quite funny and if you have chance, go back and read this book too.
Since then, she has moved to Chicago, starting over after a very public break-up shown on TMZ that was not her finest moment. Her first moments in Chicago start with bang and end up with her meeting Craig.

Craig is ex-military, now working as an Air Marshall traveling the world after his divorce. He is restless with his job, not feeling challenged. Katherine and her troubles bring new energy to his life and a real purpose in his life.

I love both of these characters who are ‘mid-aged’. Katherine has it all going on: strong self assured, successful business woman. Craig shows vulnerability that we don’t often see in many books, looking for a new purpose in his life., not realizing it was going to involve a woman.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chicago by Chance is a short(ish) story that packs quite the suspenseful punch with a side of sexy! Katherine has relocated to a new city to get away from the scandal in DC, but things hit the skids pretty quickly in Chicago. There was one great thing, meeting the Air Marshal by the name of Craig, and they were hot together. However, she's in some serious danger with the mafia (who wants to be there in life, amirite?!), and Craig is determined to protect her from everything. I really dig Michelle Donn's writing style so she's definitely on my list of go to authors at this point, so hit those one click buttons to get the heart rate up as I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL! 

[Debra Johnson]

December 16, 2022 Amazon purch

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/15/2022)! 🎁

[Mckenzie Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy, exciting, and funny! This book has a bit of everything from romance to rescues and an awesome cast of supporting characters. It’s the story of a long-distance romance between a burly air marshal and a feisty property developer being targeted by the mob. Great escape from every day. And I don’t know if I liked the naked breakfast scene or the ending more.

[Floraljoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy suspense:
What a great book! It was perfectly paced with just the right amount of action, drama, romance and tender moments. There was also plenty of suspense which left me anxiously wondering how it would all turn out.
Katherine was a real estate developer who'd recently moved to Chicago when she suddenly found herself in danger and being threatened by the mob. Thankfully she had Craig, her sexy US Marshall, to not only protect her but to also fall in love with. I liked the change that took place in Kat's life and how they both found meaning and belonging in one another.
I especially loved the ending and how the author took the time to draw things together beyond just a rushed epilogue, which sadly tends to be the norm. This was the second book in the series and whilst it could totally be read as a standalone, the first one is so great I'd highly recommend reading it too!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Jan Spencelayh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly enjoyable light read. A feel-good blossoming love story between a hero hunk and a strong, self-made woman against a backdrop of danger from the mob, political corruption and bent cops. Forget frustrating on/off, on/off relationship angst or pages and pages and pages of repetitive sex, this book has main characters you engage with and like, a growing, deepening, sweet relationship and enough well-written sex scenes to keep you page turning. The external story is fairly basic but never-the-less exciting and fast-paced. I’m here, primarily, for the romance and the happy ending and this book delivers one of the most romantic happy endings I’ve read to date! I will be looking for more from this author for those days when I just want something easy to read that I don’t have to work too hard at.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chicago by Chance is the second book in the Protecting Love series. It worked very well as a stand alone. Characters from the first book do make an appearance in this one, but it was fine. I never felt lost. I do want to go back and read the first book now. This one is Katherine and Craig's story.

I really enjoyed this romantic suspense. The chemistry between Craig and Katherine was intense. I loved it! I also liked that both characters had insecurities about the relationship. Especially Craig. It's rare to see the man voice his anxiety about a relationship. The other aspect that was great was that they got to know each other over long phone calls and texts. There is also a bit of suspense that affects Katherine and her assistant. There was a good balance between the romance and the suspense. The ending was very sweet! I highly recommend this one.

[Sherry Christenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review for Chicago by Chance by Michelle Donn.

Wow did I love ❤️❤️ This book! It grabs you from the first paragraph and never let’s go. Katherine is exactly what I want to be rich beautiful and does what ever the heck she wants to. Her assistant Todd quickly became one of my all time favorite characters. Craig is the sexy Air Marshal we’d all love to have rescue us. And then there is Omar, Uber driver extraordinaire. Put them all together and hang on for a crazy ride as Katherine takes on a US Senator and the Chicago Mob! Love ❤️ this story and the characters so much I’d love to see this on TV as Lifetime Drama

[Sandra Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a first read for me from this author and I have to say I will definitely be purchasing Book 1. It can be read as a stand alone, easy to follow. This was a story that starts with an action scene and takes off from there. It is a perfect love story with a great ending. The story has just enough drama to keep you at your seats. I loved Craig and Katherine, he was so protective and she was independent and feisty.

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

[Vinessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed ready about the growth in the relationship that stemed from a one night stand.
The trials, the drama and the passion.
The chemistry between the Katharine and Craig is breathtaking.
The misunderstandings and wasted time just adds to the drama.
So much action, mystery and suspense around every corner.

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

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chicago By Chance is an action packed romance novel filled with characters you love. Michelle has a way with words that makes the book flow and time passes quickly when reading this book. It is the kind of book that is hard to put down. I also enjoyed the inclusion of characters from her first book and knowing their HEA.

[Maja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read from this author. The story sucked me in from the first paragraph, however I am not the biggest fan of the third person point of view of the story. However, I liked the story enough that I will read more from the author.

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

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I've read written by Michelle Donn; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from this author. I did like that Katherine was a strong woman but sometimes she took doing things on her own a little too far asking for help is not a weakness.

[Teresa Reitnauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The well-developed characters drive this book. Katherine is a strong independent businesswoman. Craig is a protector by nature and is looking for a challenge. Their relationship grows from a one-night fling into a deep, caring love. Todd, Katherine's assistant, adds humor. The drama keeps the reader's attention throughout the book. The story was amazing, and I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Bruce Bursi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A "I Can't Put It Down " Story

Absolutely a good read! While the sex scenes aren't my favorite, I understand the author needed a quick leap into the relationship and it was a great lead in to the storyline. The story itself was riveting. Loved the air marshal, strong business woman the mob, crooked politician, surrounded by a sweet love story. Good writing. I'll follow this author in the future !

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did love Craig immediately. Katherine was also likeable. I love the way their develop as a twosome. My favorite part of the book is the suspense. It kept me reading, page after page and I really like the way the book was written and the way the story was crafted.

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

[Cheryl A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good read. It has romance and mystery. There was lots of romance between Katherine and Craig even though his job kept him on a plane. It was suspenseful of how she had to deal with the Chicago Outfit and how Craig once again saved her in a hostage situation again. I like to read Michelle’s book because She adds suspense and romance to her books.

[Pat Hopson · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd book in the series. Good story, well told. Of course, anytime you are writing about organized crime in a romance novel you don’t dig too far down into the weeds in the stories get rushed a little bit, but it was still a decent story.
As a resident of Chicago, I will say that the author does a really good job of describing neighborhoods and locations.
Some good sexy scenes.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my…what a beautiful love story mixed in with some real suspense. Katherine and Craig have an instant connection that is so strong that neither one knew what to make of it. Their story unfolds amid some very real threats. This is definitely a must-read. New author for me, but I’ll be looking for more of her books to read.

[Deborah A Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best read in awhile

Strong characters. Strong woman who take care of business and those she cares about. Excellent book love to read more from this author. Need more strong women stories.

[Will Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had everything in it that I look for in a great romance; action, strong characters, clean editing, and most importantly, a good dose of hot spices in the bedroom. Throw in some suspense, a hint of angst, and did I mention the awesome characters? Great book!

[Aromfan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hmmm hmmmm good romance

Enjoyed this story and how the romance evolved over time. Great characters. Perfect for cozy winter reading! This goes on the keeper shelf 😊

[Ksarak Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

No spoilers.
In this book, the main players were Katherine and Craig. And Katherine's personal assistant Todd played a pretty prominent role too.

We actually met Katherine as a supporting character in the first book when she provided Eric and Leah a hide out. I truly enjoyed her appearance in that book, but can't say that I missed her when she departed the storyline. So, when I realized she was the heroine of the second book, I had a few mixed feelings. Katherine is smart, capable, independent and speaks her mind, but I was just a bit ambivalent about her. Even with that said, there was no way I was going to skip this book. Simply because I hoping Eric and Leah would make an appearance and because I love the author's writing style.

As for the hero, liked Craig immediately and enjoyed how the relationship between the two was allowed to develop organically after their initial combustible session. I enjoyed reading about their phone calls and plans to get together. Of course we're going to get the drama associated with relationships, but this author doesn't make it the plot point of the story.
We get our share of danger and suspense and hero Craig was definitely up for the challenge.
Glad I stuck with it! Four Stars!

Up next: Palm Beach Bodyguard

[Michelle Donn]

EXCERPT FROM CHICAGO BY CHANCE

Katherine awoke smiling. The kind of smile teenage girls have the morning after their first kiss. Last night was decadent. Craig was delicious, and she couldn’t wait for more. Her hand roamed the bed, finding his side cold and empty. She knew he’d been there. He climbed into her bed last night after a shower, his skin warm and smelling like her bath gel. He’d cuddled her against his chest while his large hands smoothed over her naked body until she fell into a deep sleep, safe in his arms.

She’d slept better than she had since the incident in DC. Getting away from that city was good for her. The new location and a few chart-topping orgasms were better than any sleeping pill.
She sat up and glanced about the room, a pout forming on her lips. Damn. She’d wanted to another round with him. Her recent lovers had been adequate. And now that she found a man who made her body sing, she wanted to indulge.

From the outer door of the suite, she heard a knock.

She scrambled out of bed, retrieving one of the hotel robes, not bothering to tie the sash. She rushed to answer, assuming he’d be waiting on the other side with coffee. Before opening the door, she cocked a hip and draped the robe so it hung open, showing a scandalous amount of skin.

“I missed you,” she purred as she pulled the door open.

“I missed you too, sweetie, but I still don’t swing that way,” Todd, her personal assistant, replied. His amused expression matched his teasing tone. He swept past her and into the room in a cloud of designer cologne.

With a glance, he took in the evidence of last night’s debauchery. “Oh, Katherine, you naughty girl. Already indulging in a fun-filled night on the town, I see.”

She turned, tying her robe tightly, and followed in Todd’s wake. She bent to retrieve her dress, which lay in a crumpled heap on the floor in the middle of the main room. She shook it out and tossed it over the ridiculous Foosball table in the corner. Todd had seen worse mornings after. He’d dealt with the chocolate syrup human sundae incident way back in the day that had required a team of professional cleaners.

She joined him in front of the rumpled blue couch. He eyed it suspiciously.

“Any need to disinfect before I sit? These are new Dolce & Gabbana jeans,” he asked, a blonde eyebrow raised.

She playfully smacked him on the shoulder, snorting when she tried to swallow her laughter. They both turned and flopped into the couch. Directly in front of them on the chrome coffee table were her stilettos, her neatly folded black lace thong, and a note on hotel stationery.

They both dove for the note at the same time. She managed to keep it out of his grasping but well-manicured hands.

“So what’s lover boy have to say?” He wanted to know.