Review + Giveaway ~ Chance at Redemption (Madison Square #3) by Samatha Harris

Chance at Redemption
Samatha Harris
(Madison Square #3)
Published by: Limitless Publishing
Publication date: May 23rd 2017
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Gwen Stevens had a privileged life until her father spoke three little words that turned her world upside down. “You’re cut off.”
Broke and desperate, Gwen is forced to accept a waitressing job, but this glimmer of hope has a price. As if being a cocktail waitress isn’t bad enough, she has to do it in a dive bar called The Den, and her bad luck doesn’t stop there. She also needs to deal with the new owner, a blue-eyed, self-righteous ass determined to make her life miserable.
Liam Sinclair walked away from the entitlement and obligation his family planned for him, vowing to make his own way in the world…
Adjusting to life as a new business owner, Liam has experienced more than his fair share of setbacks. When his only waitress breaks her leg, his sister takes it upon herself to hire a replacement—a spoiled, self-indulgent hothead with too much makeup and more than enough attitude. Gwen represents the world he’s trying to escape, a world of excess and greed that he was never cut out for.
Appearances can be deceiving, and first impressions aren’t always right…
Despite their apparent differences, the tension between them turns to a fiery passion that neither of them can resist. Together they find balance and learn to appreciate the simpler things in life. But Gwen soon discovers that old habits die hard, and one mistake is all it takes to ruin everything.
Forgiveness must be earned, but even a villain deserves a chance at redemption…

My Opinion
I requested this book because I read Somewhere in Between last year and enjoyed it. I never read book 2, since the trope in that book didn't interest me, but I was excited to read Liam's story. 

Chance at Redemption was an easy read I found myself getting through too quickly. It held my attention and I liked the idea behind the story. It kept me engaged and I was easily drawn into the author's world. 

As for the characters, I liked Liam. He was a good guy with a big heart. He helped those in need and he was an easy character to vouch for. Gwen on the other hand wasn't as easy to like because of her attitude. She did grow on me as she changed but I would have liked to see her do more--just small gestures--around Liam so she didn't come off as entitled still. 

While I did like the characters, I'm not sure I bought into their relationship. I didn't really feel the chemistry building on the lead up to their first kiss. For me, there wasn't really a spark between them. I liked the way they drove each other crazy with their attitudes, and it worked in that sense, but the passion wasn't quite there. 

As for the ending, I'm glad Drew and Alex got their wedding. I did feel the story just cut off and wasn't given time to slow down though. I would have liked an epilogue. 


Overall this was an enjoyable read. I read it faster than expected and was drawn into the characters' world. I still prefer book 1, but it was a good continuation.

4

Goodreads / Amazon

Review ~ Somewhere in Between (Madison Square Book 1) by Samatha Harris

ebook downloaded for free via Amazon.

Release Date: October 29th 2015

Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC

Description:
Alexandra McCabe is disconnected from the world, grieving the loss of her parents... Content with studying and keeping to herself, Alex has no interest in the campus playboy, Drew Collins, trying to get close to her. But even dousing him with beer doesn't deter the easy-going charmer, and against her better judgment, the pair falls into a reluctant friendship. Drew is bored with college life, and Alex's romantic rejection intrigues him... Their friendship is good for both of them, but Drew is used to getting what he wants, and he's tired of shallow sorority girls. He's much more interested in the feisty redhead, but despite his growing feelings, Alex keeps him firmly in the friend zone. Old heartaches and new tragedies deepen a complicated relationship... Whatever life throws their way, Alex and Drew remain best friends with their own traditions. Drew is Alex's family, her rock, and Alex keeps Drew grounded, always challenging him to better himself. When years of buried feelings rush to the surface, they threaten to change everything... Drew promised his mother he'd tell Alex how he feels, when the time is right-but how will he know when that is? Alex is terrified to reveal those 'three little words, ' certain Drew doesn't feel the same, and she'll lose the only family she has. Getting what you want might be as easy as being brave enough to ask for it. Should Alex and Drew open their hearts, and risk being crushed? Should they be satisfied with a deep, lifelong friendship? Or does the only chance for happiness lie... Somewhere In Between?

My Opinion

Somewhere in Between surprised me. It held my attention well and was a sweet friends to more romance. Even better, it can be read entirely as a standalone with a HEA--although it makes you want the next.

Alex and Drew were a sweet couple. I felt their friendship was real and I believed in their relationship. I also thought the author did a good job at not making their decisions come across as stupid. Usually when couples keep their feelings from one another there is an air of stupidity and I just want them to get on with things. In Somewhere in Between I understood Drew's reason and accepted them.

Things progressed well and I ended up spending the entire day reading this book. It was cute and sweet. All of the friendships were good in fact and the cast was close knit. The only thing I wasn't too sure about was the ending. The last few chapters felt a little rushed and, although a HEA, it didn't give me the satisfaction I wanted because the pace changed. The rest of the book built beautifully, so it made the ending even more different.


Overall, an enjoyable read. I will definitely be looking out for more.

4