PEACE LOVE BOOKS : Ramblings of a Book Dork: Beautiful Chances Review with Promo and Giveaway

Title: Beautiful Chances
(The Beautiful Series #1)

Author: Alicia Rae

Genre: Contemporary Romance 18 & up

Publication Date: September 10, 2013

Cover Designed By: Okay Creations

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

After losing her parents and sister in a tragic car accident, Lily distances herself from those still around her. As she solely focuses on her work, she refuses to form any emotional attachments in fear of struggling through another unbearable loss.
…until Kyle enters her life with his possessive and overbearing personality. Instead of running, Lily finds herself drawn to him. Helping her on a path to healing, Kyle stands by her side and lends her his strength.
A bond is formed, but it is tested when the unthinkable happens.
Can taking a chance on love conquer all?

♡ My Review ♡

September 11.2013

4 Stars ★★★★

*ARC received from Author for Honest Review*

I loved this book. It was a great story about overcoming grief and finding love when you least expect it. Both Lily and Kyle are struck with the love bug as soon as their eyes meet. The two continue to challenge and embrace one-another making Beautiful Chances an enjoyable read.

“I loved my family dearly only for them to be taken from me. I was terrified at the thought that I could open my heart again, and just as easily, lose someone dear.”- Lily

After a car accident takes her family, Lily hides away. She runs from her cousins, her aunt, life and the world in general. She moves away to Florida where the surf and sun are her constant companions. She works as a writer and often spends countless hours writing on the beach. One day Lily happens to look up and notices someone looking back. Kyle literally crashes into her life and the two quickly form a closeness that Lily does not know if she is ready for.

“I want you, Lily. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anyone so much, and I barely just met you.” - Kyle

Kyle immerses himself in Lily’s life from the start. The bond between them may be forming fast but there is no denying the chemistry and sparks that fly. Since hiding away from life on the island, Lily only has one friend. A male friend Luke, who may or may not want more from Lily than she wants to give. It didn’t add a whole love-triangle aspect to the story but it definitely gave Kyle a reason to hone his protective and dominating instincts and boy was it HOTT!!

“It’s you I’m worried about. I see your sadness every day, and I wish I could take it away. No one should have to experience that.” - Kyle

Three years have passed since Lily has been on Sanibel Island. Her aunt continues to ask her to return home and though she promises she will ‘soon’, everyone knows she doesn’t mean it. Kyle helps Lily not only deal but come to terms with some heavy grief she suffers from the accident. She holds herself responsible and can’t understand why she is and has to be alone. But with Kyle, she’s alone no longer.

Since the accident happened and Lily began hiding, she never had normal college experiences. Things like first kisses, dates and losing her virginity are all things she writes about but can’t fully understand without experience. One of the great things about Kyle was how he pushed Lily. She was too stuck in la-la land she kept putting off life. Kyle barging in screwed up her plans and made her live in the now.

“This is where I want to be, Lily. I couldn’t leave after I laid eyes on you, and I certainly can’t leave now. I know you feel it, too.” - Kyle

Kyle is currently on the island for a business trip. He buys buildings to sell but his real passion is building and construction. When he brings Lily home to California for a mini vacation, she is blown away by the passion and dedication that radiates from his home. The two are equally accepting of each other. Kyle genuinely cares for Lily and there were quite a few ‘Aww’ moments. Plus throw in his Army experience and I was Alpha-happy.

Why I love Kyle

Kyle was a very heartfelt and genuine male character. From the first moment he lays eyes on Lily he’s stuck and he does any and everything he can to prove himself to her. He makes her problems his problems and has definitely marked himself a top book boyfriend.

“There is no way in hell I’m wearing a pink shirt. Pink shirts are for pussies.” – Kyle

For the most part this was a very light read. What I could have done without were the creepy notes and her friend Luke’s crush. Both were just too predictable and not only that, they seemed to try and add more drama to the story than was needed. Luke added a jealous tinge that was annoying and sad as he was her only friend. The ‘stalker’ was a bit corny but it did make me wish Kyle was ~~grabbing,~~ guarding my body. It made you curious and stuck in the back of your mind since it was obvious something suspicious was happening but it never amounted to anything at least in this book. I was and am upset that the story is not over for these two, in fact I pouted like a fifth grader when it ended. However, there was no cliff-hanger so that kept me happy. I would recommend the book for that alone!!!

About the Author

Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography.

Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing into my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo
Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you.
Believe in yourself and follow your dreams…