No Chance Love #1
Jaye Elliot
Christian Fiction, Young Adult, Romance
{GoodReads}
Alex Jennings is done with life. After losing her brother in Afghanistan, everything has collapsed around her. Getting laid off from her day job and failing in her art career, she has nowhere left to turn. She once had faith to believe that all things would work together for good, but that faith died with her brother. Now she just wants the pain to end.
Riley Conrad served thirteen years in the military until three bullets sent him home. After a year and a half of physical therapy and scraping together a living, all he wants is to live a simple life and perhaps even open the coffee shop he dreams about. However, the weight of failing his parents’ expectations doesn’t make it easy, and working as a bartender isn’t getting him anywhere fast.
Could a “chance” meeting between Alex and Riley set them both on the path God always intended?
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WARNING: Possible Spoilers!
I was provided an ARC (advanced reader copy) by the author in exchange for my honest review.
WARNING: Possible Spoilers!
I was provided an ARC (advanced reader copy) by the author in exchange for my honest review.
{The Basics}
Sooooo. One of my favorite authors, also known as Jaye L. Knight of the Ilyon Chronicles, has written her first contemporary novel! and I had the chance (no pun intended...) to read an advanced copy!!
This was such a sweet, moving, and real-life story---definitely an easy read with some TWISTS. I adored Riley, and Alex was my kinda country, born-n'-bred, farm girl with a penchant for art. Her parents were extremely supportive & loving. Her friends even more so.
As opposed to the whimsical worlds of fantasy & the incredible adventures & story world in the Ilyon Chronicles, this tale is much more mellow, but it certainly deals with real-life issues, struggles, & regrets.
All that said, I really enjoyed Riley & Alex's story & would highly recommend if you are looking for a great, clean, contemporary read. :] Read on for more details!
This was such a sweet, moving, and real-life story---definitely an easy read with some TWISTS. I adored Riley, and Alex was my kinda country, born-n'-bred, farm girl with a penchant for art. Her parents were extremely supportive & loving. Her friends even more so.
As opposed to the whimsical worlds of fantasy & the incredible adventures & story world in the Ilyon Chronicles, this tale is much more mellow, but it certainly deals with real-life issues, struggles, & regrets.
All that said, I really enjoyed Riley & Alex's story & would highly recommend if you are looking for a great, clean, contemporary read. :] Read on for more details!
{Violence}
A character has struggled often with suicidal thoughts & was on her way to a bridge in town where she planned to jump to her death. [SPOILER] Circumstances stop her & she attempts to turn her life around. The depression, doubts, & fears still linger, but she learns to keep her friends & family close, and comes to rely on her faith like she once did.
We hear the story of how a soldier tried to save another from fatal wounds due to an IED bombing.
A man punches another for lewdly insulting a woman (nothing detailed by way of dialogue, but it's certainly implied).
A man is beaten to unconsciousness & is hospitalized in a coma. He suffered broken ribs, a bruised kidney, & head trauma.
We hear the story of how a soldier tried to save another from fatal wounds due to an IED bombing.
A man punches another for lewdly insulting a woman (nothing detailed by way of dialogue, but it's certainly implied).
A man is beaten to unconsciousness & is hospitalized in a coma. He suffered broken ribs, a bruised kidney, & head trauma.
{Spiritual Content}
Alex grew up in a Christian home, but at nearly 30 years old, following her years of college, she has fallen stagnate in her faith. This is something she intentionally wishes to change. Riley is a new Christian in recent years, following his honorable discharge in the military due to injuries.
Both Alex & Riley pray often and attend church together. Alex desires to read her Bible after putting it off for so long. She finds she feels unworthy---abandoning God after the death of her brother a few years prior.
Mention of not allowing Satan to succeed in dragging her down.
On Veteran's Day, Alex's family goes to visit the grave-sites of those lost in the wars. They go to the graces and "tell" their loved ones how they miss them.
Both Riley & Alex have small tattoos symbolizing something or someone in their life.
Both Alex & Riley pray often and attend church together. Alex desires to read her Bible after putting it off for so long. She finds she feels unworthy---abandoning God after the death of her brother a few years prior.
Mention of not allowing Satan to succeed in dragging her down.
On Veteran's Day, Alex's family goes to visit the grave-sites of those lost in the wars. They go to the graces and "tell" their loved ones how they miss them.
Both Riley & Alex have small tattoos symbolizing something or someone in their life.
{Language // Alcohol & Drugs}
None. One character is said to have cursed, but it's not in the actual dialogue---instead, it's used as a verb.
Alex goes into the bar seeking some liquid courage---a small shot of whiskey. It's obvious she doesn't drink alcohol of any kind as she barely gets one gulp down. There, she meets Riley, who is the bartender. At one point, in need of a job, Alex begins work there as well, learning how to serve all kinds of alcoholic beverages.
A group of friends share a bottle of red wine. A Christmas party serves wine. Riley shares a glass with his dad later that evening.
Both Riley & Alex attend a psychiatrist. Alex is prescribed an antidepressant as she struggles with anxiety & depression.
Alex goes into the bar seeking some liquid courage---a small shot of whiskey. It's obvious she doesn't drink alcohol of any kind as she barely gets one gulp down. There, she meets Riley, who is the bartender. At one point, in need of a job, Alex begins work there as well, learning how to serve all kinds of alcoholic beverages.
A group of friends share a bottle of red wine. A Christmas party serves wine. Riley shares a glass with his dad later that evening.
Both Riley & Alex attend a psychiatrist. Alex is prescribed an antidepressant as she struggles with anxiety & depression.
{Romantic Content}
Riley & Alex shares several kisses, and hugs often. Alex breaks on one particular kiss, afraid it could end disastrously, and confesses her commitment to remain pure. Riley honors her commitment, and admits his regrets, confessing to have been with other girls.
At a Christmas party, Riley's younger sister's boyfriend is seen checking out all the other girls present, including Alex. Some women wear revealing cocktail dresses.
We meet Riley's ex-girlfriend, who seems to be trying to seduce him again.
A rowdy group of young men draw attention at the bar, one in particular flirts with Alex (to her disgust). He runs his hand down her back before she slaps it away.
At a Christmas party, Riley's younger sister's boyfriend is seen checking out all the other girls present, including Alex. Some women wear revealing cocktail dresses.
We meet Riley's ex-girlfriend, who seems to be trying to seduce him again.
A rowdy group of young men draw attention at the bar, one in particular flirts with Alex (to her disgust). He runs his hand down her back before she slaps it away.
{Conclusion}
All told, this was a sweet, romantic, easy read with A LOT of feels. It deals with the hard trials & heavy struggles of reality beautifully, and paints a lovely picture of steadfast faith & encouragement---especially in the characters of those around Riley & Alex.
I would certainly recommend if you need a cozy read for these last few weeks of Winter! However, I would caution you as to the content of suicidal thoughts, anxiety, & depression. Jaye Elliot does a great job of showing how prevalent such issues can be, but also weaves into it that suicide is NEVER the answer for life struggles. If you or anyone you know is dealing with these burdens, there is NO SHAME in asking for help, support, & encouragement. You are so BELOVED, dear heart! What an amazing truth. <3
I would certainly recommend if you need a cozy read for these last few weeks of Winter! However, I would caution you as to the content of suicidal thoughts, anxiety, & depression. Jaye Elliot does a great job of showing how prevalent such issues can be, but also weaves into it that suicide is NEVER the answer for life struggles. If you or anyone you know is dealing with these burdens, there is NO SHAME in asking for help, support, & encouragement. You are so BELOVED, dear heart! What an amazing truth. <3
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To each is given a bag of tools,
A shapeless mass, and a book of rules,
And each must make, ere life is flown,
A stumbling block or a stepping stone.
-Anonymous-