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A Chance at Love #3

Taking a Chance

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Cora Reed has the worst luck in love. She’s gone on nearly sixty first dates in the past two years, with no end in sight—and at this point, no hope for the future.

Dating life aside, her five-year plan is right on track. She has great friends, a successful business, and…the luxury of falling asleep alone on her couch as much as she wants.

Unfortunately for Cora, her playboy neighbor is a constant, frustrating reminder of everything she’s been trying to avoid in the online dating world.

Declan Walsh parades different women in and out of his apartment, day and night. After declining his invitation years ago, Cora isn’t afraid to tell him exactly what she thinks of him—which isn’t much.

He doesn’t mind, though. He lives his life the way he wants and makes no apologies for it. Sure, he’s tall—and extremely hot—but she won’t let that fool her. She has no time for his antics.

That is, until her perceptions of him begin to unravel. Soon, they find themselves hating each other a little less—and making out a little more.

But when a misunderstanding threatens to rip them apart, both must decide: Is love worth taking a chance?

290 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2020

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About the author

Kat Savage

42 books720 followers
Kat Savage’s unique brand of storytelling combines some of her own truths with a little bit of fiction to connect to people in a very real way. She writes about ugly things authentically and shamelessly.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for talon smith.
711 reviews124 followers
November 12, 2020
“She is the sun and I am the shadow.”

When I want to read a romance book, I want it to be something that isn't overly done. I can usually tell when an author is trying too hard, doing too much, or just simply trying to just release a book. But Taking A Chance really reminded me and took me back to what it's like to open a romance book and be completely swept away by the sweet moments and be in awe of two completely different characters learning to adapt and be with each other in this crazy world.

I can't brag enough about the pacing of this story. It was quick and sharp but the moments that are small and sweet stick out so much. I could name them off one by one and a lot of times with these sort of books, the little moments get lost in the chaotic story line and incessant sex scenes. But Kat did a superb job at making sure each little moment was acknowledged and could be remembered by the reader despite the plot constantly moving and progressing. Every small detail for Declan or Cora was definitely felt by me and will be remembered.

When I say in my previous reviews for this series that each and every book gets better and better I was not expecting Taking A Chance to completely blow me away. I was expecting to really enjoy it and like it but I was not expecting to love it the way that I did. This is Kat at her finest. Her finest, sharpest writing and her finest characters and plot. I can't say enough kind things about this book and I hope that when readers read this series that they can appreciate the growth that Kat has had just like I have.
Profile Image for Ashley Estep The Art of Reading .
790 reviews37 followers
November 29, 2020
Taking A Chance is the third book in A Chance At Love Series and it might just be my favorite. I loved all the couples but I LOVE Delcan.

Cora is judgemental and has spent the last three years hating her neighbor from across the hall with no actual reason why. When she finally stops she's really kicking herself for it. Delcan is awkward and sweet and I loved him from the start.Delcan and Cora are a perfect match. While she's intense, Delcan is more relaxed. Their love grew naturally. Nothing about them were forced. This unlikely pair are actually perfect. Cora's jaded ways are hard to overcome. Her trust issues are strong and her insecurities high. When they come out it's like watching a trainwreck. to watch. My heart broke for both of them.

Kat Savage knows how to bring the emotion. She hooks me, makes me feel happy and then breaks my heart. Savage delivered a fantastic plot, wrapped up in beautiful words, with amazing characters. Her writing is organic. It never feels forced.

Taking A Chance is another beautiful, sweet, 5 star read from Kat Savage!
Profile Image for Siobhan.
5,159 reviews606 followers
November 30, 2020
Taking A Chance is the third book in Kat Savage’s A Chance at Love series, but it can be read as a standalone novel. I certainly recommend reading the prior books, though, as each book is addictive and it’s nice to see more of the characters in each.

Much like A Fighting Chance and One More Chance, Taking A Chance hooked me from the very first page. I quickly fell for the characters and their story, leaving me desperate to see how things developed. With each new element that was introduced, I fell deeper into the story. I could not get enough of their interactions, and happily devoured the book in a single sitting.

Without a doubt, Taking A Chance is a wonderful addition to an addictive series.
Profile Image for Persephone.
Author 52 books328 followers
November 29, 2020
Taking A Chance is like watching peony petals open - slow, beautiful and perfect in full bloom.

I have loved this series from start to finish, but Taking A Chance was my favorite. Cora’s fire and Declan’s tranquility merge into an all-consuming passion neither can deny. I loved how their lives slowly came together, how hard they fell for each other.

Of all the men in the A Chance At Love series, I’d say I love Declan the most (although I love Gentry and Jensen still, just differently). Perhaps it’s Declan’s reserved nature or that he’s artistic or maybe the way he perceives Cora and how she moves. He’s just in tune with her in a way others are not and I love it.
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,937 reviews412 followers
November 30, 2020
Who knew enemies to lovers romance can be sweet and swoonworthy and adorable like Taking a Chance by Kat Savage? Her writing is food for my soul for sure. This intoxicating and heartwarming romance is cure of everything negative.

Cora always thought her neighbour Declan to be a seedy person because he always asks her to come to his apartment and she notices women coming and going all the time. She has been curt and rude to him but he was always nice. So after a series of coincidental things, she finds out Declan is actually a successful artist and he wants to paint her. Declan never felt such bone deep attraction to any of his subjects. Will Cora take a chance on love?


The more stories I read by Kat Savage, the more I fall in love with her words. She has the ability to pull the invisible strings of my heart and make me feel all the soul deep emotions. Cora is an independent and smart and confident and fierce woman. But she has been unlucky in love and she feels lonely and desperate to find that special partner. She had trust issues and she projected them to Declan. But Declan is so so amazing! He is talented and is a bit socially awkward. He has a calm creative soul and that is very different from a normal guy. He just melts my heart with his sweetness and charm and wits. He knows magic for sure. His love shines throught his art and no woman can resist that. They have great chemistry. It was a perfect and delicious combination of sexy and swoony. And I loved it.

Taking A Chance by Kat Savage filled my heart with all kinds of warm fuzzy feels. This story is all about brilliant writing and unforgettable characters.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Ashley.
Author 38 books27 followers
November 28, 2020
There is a line at the end of this book that reminds the reader that Kat Savage is also a poet. “She is the sun, and I am the shadow.” The line is beautiful in its simplicity, but it also sums up the dynamic between the two lead characters.

In book three of the series, we learn more about Cora and Declan. Cora is a little bitchy and judgmental, but it’s mostly because she is tired of being hurt and disappointed. Too many failed dates can leave a girl a bit jaded. Declan is the perfect counterpart. He teaches her that there are people worth trusting, even if it takes awhile. And he also shows her the importance of not jumping to conclusions.

Kat writes with beautiful details and creates a story that flows smoothly. The throwback to previous book’s characters is a wonderful touch, giving the reader a peek into their lives now too. Cora and Declan are kind of strange in the sweetest way which makes for a great HEA story. And they help each other grow. Isn’t that what we all want in a relationship?
Profile Image for Jeraca.
2,798 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2020
I received this free eARC novel from the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions. This is my honest review.

Out of the 3 books in this series, this one is by far my favorite! Cora and Declan had a connection that I thought was so intense and crazy hot.

Cora is a bit judgemental and just made terrible assumptions, which she later kicked herself about. And sweet Declan is so awkward and adorable. Usually I prefer alpha men, but Declan's quiet, odd demeanor was so great, and caused for a lot of confusion, misunderstanding and laughter.

I'm glad I was able to read this series and get an introduction to this author. I may have to look into other works by Kat Savage!
Profile Image for The Book Lover.
2,070 reviews31 followers
December 4, 2020
I loved these 2! I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Andrea Barth-Leidinger.
417 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2020
Yeah. It’s like family. For me, sorry. not sorry at all. Ok, so I will never know about about Cora’s plus one at Lyla and Gentrys wedding...but it’s enough to know that he left her to her own (and the bar)...
Fans of the series will know what I am speaking about.
Cora is still single, even after a marathon of first dates, some good, mostly bad, when she stumbles again over her neighbor. Declan, her neighbor for three years now. Three years in which Cora only has spit and hate for the man next door.
But this time he saves her. From a bad date. After being friendly to Declan for the first time she finds she could be friends with him.
Declan finds she could be more than friends with him. Will the hate, mistrust and prejudice of the past let them be more?
These two wonderful people have to learn to thrust their feelings and their love for each other.
Heartwarming, witty and surprisingly amusing, this story had me captured completely.

I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Daniele.
565 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2020
“What god or goddess did I piss off?” When Cora asks this of herself, I was like her and I we are the same! This book has so many poignant moments like this for me. You can feel Cora’s vulnerability, you can feel her fierceness, you can feel in each word Kat gives us what Cora longs for. She has this unspoken vulnerability and a spitfire personality that screams. Until Declan.

Meeting Declan Walsh was something I was not prepared for. He is an artist is all forms. He paints with his words and emotions as well as the work he creates with brush in hand and there was no way to not fall for him. He has this quiet determined vulnerability that comes off as the stereotypical “he’s an artist”, never understanding the layers and layers of paints he wears. Until Cora.

Kat is an artist with her words, she painted an abstract for Cora full of fierce colors and for Declan a surreal forest of the tallest trees. Declan brings a calm protection, where Cora brings this brilliance and together illuminates all their shadows
33 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2020
Where do I even start?! This book is the third in a series, and while I do recommend you read the first two, you can definitely read this book as a stand alone and still love.

Every time Kat releases a new book, I have a new book boyfriend, and this time isn't any different! Declan can be a little socially awkward, but I'm such a people person, we'd balance each other out haha!

Cora is looking for love, and the last person she would ever consider is her womanizing neighbor. Little does she know how wrong her assumptions of Declan are. As they finally start to get to know each other, she realizes that she was quick to judge. Their relationship blossoms, but there's always a bump in the road, which is due to an outside influence. If you want to find out how exactly that situation works out, go one-click this book on Amazon now!
Profile Image for Maria.
518 reviews13 followers
December 2, 2020
Um, okay.......I am falling over myself for this book. I can not give Kat the praise she deserves. I was just simply blown away.
Profile Image for Chèri-Lee Fisher .
113 reviews4 followers
November 29, 2020
Every time I read Kat Savage's work I tell myself "this is the one! I'm sure she can't write anything that tops this"!
Then she goes on to write another character I love, another story I feel in my bones, another book that blows me away!!

"I want to make art out of her bones. I want to bleed for her. But I’ll settle for loving her. She is the sun and I am the shadow."

I am Cora. I am very picky and particular about the type of people, more specifically the type of men I allow into my life. I'd rather feel the burn of loneliness than the disappointment. Declan was her exception, and he blew away everything she thought she knew, Every rule she thought she needed. My favourite part of this story is how genuine their connection felt. From hating each other for years because of their misconception of each other to falling slowly, I think it felt very pure and real!

My review of course wouldn't be complete without talking about how impeccable Savage's attention to detail was in this story. From Declan' s paintings to the way she portrayed every emotion. I think it's safe to say Declan and Cora' s story is my favourite....well atleast for now!
Profile Image for Tina.
Author 2 books37 followers
November 27, 2020
I love Declan. If Cora doesn’t want him, I’ll take him.
Cora is an interesting character, and it’s not a bad thing. On one hand, she’s funny, fun, dedicated and hopeful. On the other, she’s standoffish, judgemental and has certain behavioural expectations of people she interacts with. And again, this isn’t a bad thing. The world would probably be a better place if we all exerted the same self-aware confidence and principles as Cora.
Declan is, for lack of a better word, delicious. He’s arty, a dreamer and anxious. He’s a soft soul who struggles with social norms. He doesn’t exert energy on fruitless endeavours, and I loved how he talks about his painting and his curious mind.
Can I just say, grey sweatpants for the win!
It’s both fun and odd to read the third book in this series and not have it based on Lila and Harper’s family farm, even though we still read Cora interact with them on occasion, but it’s good to see a series character with a full life and friends outside the core group of the series.
Once Cora let her defences down, their romance grew organically and was so sweet to read. It was hard to like Cora when she was acting unnecessarily sl*t-shamey and judgemental of Declan, purely based on her assumptions even though he’d explained the nature of his work more than once. Would she have had the same reaction if he’d painted her sister in law? Her reaction to Harper simply asking him to paint her, leads me to think she would. It was frustrating in such a woman power book, that Cora would act the way she does.

I do love Kat’s acknowledgements. They’re always witty and fun to read, and one of the only authors whose acknowledgements I do read.

I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Shelly Tooley.
203 reviews10 followers
December 1, 2020
Kat definitely saved the best for last! I loved the first two books in this series but this one knocked my socks off! It has everything that I love in a book. Enemies to lovers, angst, strong female, a hot guy who knows what he wants and doesn’t stop until he gets it, a close family, past characters making an appearance and so much more! I loved Cora and Declan’s story and how nothing was forced and the plot was perfect! Kat you really nailed this book!
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,530 reviews65 followers
December 3, 2020
You really will want to take a chance on the 3rd book in 'A Chance At Love' series. I throughly enjoyed Cora and Declan's story it was a fast paced beautiful read.

"I make self-deprecating jokes about my loneliness and dating life frequently. But mostly it's to mask how sad I find it, how I long, how I yearn-yes, yearn-for someone. for the one."


Cora has been on over 58 dates in 2 years trying to find 'the one' only to come up empty. But what I loved about this book? I never felt as if Cora was desperate as can happen in some stories I just felt as I am sure Kate Savage wanted us the reader to feel as if Cora had just been looking in the wrong place. Cora is a strong woman she runs her own business and 'go girl' all her employee's are women understanding that sometimes in the work women are undervalued.

Where Cora should have been looking was right across the hall to Declan who had been her neighbour for 3 years - in fact he was already living in the building before Cora. But with the amount of women coming and going from Declan's apartment Cora didn't want to get to know to him!

But as the saying goes 'never just a book by it's cover As the two keep getting thrown together the more Cora sees she may have been wrong about Declan.

Declan was the cool understated hero in this story, he kept his cool knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to go after it!

Well done Kat Savage!
Profile Image for Kylie Cook.
147 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2020
Cora’s Chance at Love

This is the third book in the A Chance At Love series but can be read as a standalone.

Cora Reed runs a successful marketing company that she started straight out of college. Professionally she’s achieved everything in her 5 year plan. Her personal life is another story. By 32 she thought she’d be married with kids not going on her 60th first date in 2 years. Her neighbour, Declan even has to save her from a particular disastrous date. She finds comfort in the gorgeous man’s arms until she is reminded that she hates him.

Declan’s not really sure what he did to make Cora hate him so much. All he did was invite her into his apartment when she got a package addressed to him. She obviously got the wrong impression but he’s not surprised, that happens a lot to him. He keeps trying to be nice to her but she’s having none of it. That is until fate intervenes making sure the two can no longer avoid each other.

Declan is adorable. A super hot man who is a bit clueless when it comes to social queues. Cora is a bit jaded but that’s to be expect when it comes to men given her track record. This series got better and better each book. Like it’s predecessors it’s super steamy but it also has Friends, Titanic AND Clueless references so you can’t really go wrong.
Profile Image for Erica.
481 reviews5 followers
November 26, 2020
"She's a ripe peach, a dark cherry pit. I hope she stains me." I am mesmerized at Kat's ability to keep outdoing herself. Every new book, new character, new heartache- they are each more lyrical and poignant and punch-me-in-the-gut than the last. This series is one of my most favorite of all time, and it's all in the little moments. It's in Gentry's notes and Jensen's inner monologue and Declan's endearing quirkiness. It's in the love and unity among Lyla, Harper, and Cora. I was borderline rabid for this book, and it did not disappoint. My favorite thing was Cora's slow fall, that oh so gradual topple into love. Declan is one of the most endearing, loveable, adorably awkward characters I've ever had the pleasure to meet. I love his love for Cora- unwavering, fierce, bold. This is exactly the way I dreamed for this series to end, and somehow even more all at once. Knowing I can pick these books up and get lost in tender, aching, beautiful stories is such a treasure to me, and it's also why I will forever be a fan of Kat's. P.S. The fact that two of my favorites ever both have heroes named Declan is a resounding yes from me. Go read this series.
Profile Image for lyndsey.jeannette.
171 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2020
You know when you're reading a series and you're thinking, "Okay, the next book can't possibly be any better than this one"? That happened to me with this series, again. And I was wrong. Again.

This book was fantastic! Cora is so different from what I was expecting. She's sarcastic and judgmental, but also hilarious and dedicated. And Declan - oh, let's talk about Declan. He's so awkward that I felt uncomfortable for him, but in the best way. And the connection he and Cora have is the stuff of love story legend. And now I'm wishing there were more characters because I never want this series to ever ever end!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
21.1k reviews264 followers
December 2, 2020
This is the 3rd book in this phenomenal series and is Declan and Cora’s story. Cora is unlucky in love which has left her lonely, and with trust issues and insecurities, and she is judgemental towards her neighbour. Declan is a sweet and easy-going guy, who is a successful artist, and even when Cora is rude to him, he is always nice to her. Cora is taken aback when she finds out that he wants to paint her. These two are attracted to each other and are the perfect match. This is a beautifully written story which this amazing author has done an outstanding job in penning. I was totally captivated throughout this riveting and addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all.
Profile Image for Briana.
177 reviews24 followers
December 5, 2020
Normally I love everything Kat Savage writes and I honestly found this book to be no exception! But I will say, I have never been so mad at a freaking character in my whole life. What the freaking frick. Poor sweet Declan puts up with so much crap! I wanted to throw my kindle no less than 27 times but I didn’t because I also wanted to finish this dang book.

Cora- home girl. How can one person have such a bad time dating?! It’s just not fair! But you need to be nice to Declan. For real.

These two characters with their deep artistic love were so dang frustrating you guys! While they may not be my most favorite Kat Savage characters I love them regardless and I am so glad they got their own book!!
Profile Image for VMChick.
105 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2020
I am a huge fan of this series. I got an early copy of this book and it did not disappoint. Often in a series, the first book is so good, and the rest are good but never quite as magical as the first. In this series, each book is even better, which is such a nice surprise. Cora is a great main character, full of life and emotion, someone I would want to be friends with. And Declan is dreamy and delicious. Seriously is there anything more romantic than being painted? Happy sigh. Go read this now, you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,288 reviews149 followers
February 13, 2025
Ultimo volume della serie A chance of love con la povera Cora e i suoi infiniti primi appuntamenti deludenti.

Declan mi è piaciuto nella sua imperfezione. Ho adorato la sua difficoltà nei rapporti sociali e i suoi continui inciampi. Insieme sono molto dolci e l’autrice è riuscita a creare una storia semplice ma molto carina.

Chiusura di serie dolce ed emozionante.

Recensione completa sul blog Leggere Romanticamente

https://www.leggereromanticamente.com...
Profile Image for J. Ockenhouse.
1,743 reviews18 followers
November 24, 2020
Cora has the worst luck with men. She can't catch a break but who knew the man across from her held the key to unlock her string of bad luck.

I don't want to give too much away about Declan but his name definitely makes my heart beat a little bit faster.

Enemies to more. Unlucky to lucky. Scared to sacred. These two will surprise you and have you all kinds of caught in their adventure. I loved their journey even if I shook my head quite often. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
2,389 reviews37 followers
November 26, 2020
Cora has to be one of the most jaded and judgmental characters I have ever read. Declan deserves sainthood and a medal for wanting and putting up with her. If you didn't know better, you would swear they were married and he was cheating on her. So what if he had multiple women coming and going from his place- he is single. There were judgements of her with sixty first dates, I totally understand why they were only first dates. The first two books in the series were great.

9,377 reviews141 followers
December 3, 2020
This third book in the series brings Cora and Declan's story. The author brings strong characters and weaves a great enemies to lovers romance. She paints her scenes perfectly and does a fantastic job building their relationship ,adding humor and drama. The story moves fluidly and is an entertaining romantic comedy.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Melissa Orton.
424 reviews4 followers
December 5, 2020
This is the third book in the A Chance at Love series and each book just got better and better. Declan was the sweet calm to Cora's judgy jumping to conclusions somewhat bitchy attitude. As they spend more time together preconceived notions are destroyed and attraction is ignited. Kat has such a beautiful way with words. I enjoyed the ride to Declan and Cora's happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,499 reviews16 followers
December 6, 2020
I want a Declan. He's got that combo of sweet and sexy. I love his artist vibe too. I was kind of amused reading about Cora going on her various first dates. I liked that she was career-oriented and wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted. I also liked the kinda slow burn with these two. They are enemies, but misunderstood. Their run-ins were fun to read. Slowly learning about each other, letting their guards down, and getting that nudge from a friend when needed.
Profile Image for S. Zapata.
Author 2 books3 followers
December 6, 2020
From the description of a man in gray sweatpants (which I think we can all agree is sooo hot) to finding out first impressions are not always right, to finally taking a chance on love, Kat Savage's book has it all. Cora has disliked her neighbor across the hall, Declan for years, but just maaaaybe he isn't the kind of guy she's presumed him to be. And if so, will she be able to take a chance loving him?
Profile Image for Melinda Gouge .
103 reviews6 followers
December 4, 2020
⁣Raise your hand if maybe you’re a little awkward and you’ve left someone with the wrong impression. 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️ ⁣
⁣
WELL, Declan has the same problem and it definitely shows in his early encounters with Cora. Her opinion of Declan after this aren’t great and she’s not afraid to let him know. ⁣
⁣
After a few run-ins, Cora has to admit that mayyyybeeee she was wrong about Declan and the rest is one of the sweetest love stories ever. ⁣
⁣
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews