Take a Chance on Me by Emily Houghton
Rating: 4/5

Olivia Jackson and Jacob Green are polar opposites, yet their clashing personalities weave an enthralling tapestry throughout the narrative, captivating readers from beginning to end.

Olivia's precision and attention to detail, though potentially irksome to some, enrich her character and offer glimpses into her inner drive.

Against the backdrop of exotic locales, Jacob's impulsive nature injects the tale with excitement and unforeseen twists.

However, the conclusion left me wanting for some sort of resolution. Perhaps an additional element in that final chapter could have provided the satisfying closure I needed.

This novel offers a delightful perspective on love and destiny, presenting a fresh take on these timeless themes. While encountering minor frustrations, the story's original premise and captivating characters provide a pleasant getaway for fans of romance, offering an enjoyable escape into its pages.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, and the author, Emily Houghton, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.

This was a considered character read set in India featuring Olivia and Jacob, two very different individuals whose response to difficulties in their lives have shaped their outlooks to extremes. Olivia need strict structure to function whereas Jacob lets fate decide for him with the aid of two dice, this can make both characters harder to relate to but I found they grew on me as the story progressed. I loved that this was set in somewhere less commonly used as a book location and whilst I’d be feeling as overwhelmed as Olivia by India I couldn’t cope with the need to visit every tourist destination in existence! You don’t understand Jacob’s reason for floating through life until nearer the end which at times makes his attitude a bit annoying but overall I’d prefer to be more like him than Olivia. This is a bittersweet read but with a good amount of warmth and a fascinating setting which showcases Olivia and Jacob’s differences very well and it’s good to see the impact it has on them both.

This was such a beautiful read overall, the main positive for me was seeing the relationship develop throughout

They say opposites attract in romance and this is a story of just that.

Olivia and Jacob are very different and their relationship proves to be a bit of a challenge taking them on a real adventure. Where Olivia likes everything planned to the smallest detail, Jacob is just a free spirit.

Having read and enjoyed the authors previous books I’m pleased to say this was as good, if not better in her usual style. The characters, although initially a little frustrating, definitely grew on me and were inspiring to show that sometimes you can plan things meticulously only to find to get through you occasionally just have to ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ and just go for it.

I found the ending excellent and getting to it was an absolute joy to read.

Many thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Title: Take a Chance on Me by Emily Houghton
Release Date: August, 1st, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars


"Take a Chance on Me" by Emily Houghton offers a refreshing twist on the typical romance novel, whisking readers away to exotic locales and presenting an unconventional love story.

Olivia Jackson and Jacob Green couldn't be more different, but their opposing personalities create an intriguing dynamic that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. While Olivia's meticulous nature may frustrate some readers, it adds depth to her character and provides insight into her motivations.

The exotic settings and Jacob's spontaneous approach to life injects the story with a sense of adventure and unpredictability. However, the ending left me wanting more closure. I thought maybe the extra in that ending would’ve made a huge difference.

This was a delightful read that offers a fresh perspective on love and fate. Despite some minor frustrations, the novel's unique premise and engaging characters make it a pleasant escape for romance enthusiasts.



Thank you to The Publisher Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Penguin , The Author Emily Houghton & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Olivia and Jacob have a chance encounter in Delhi where both ended up for various reasons - overly organised Olivia got the trip as a gift from her dead sister, whereas happy-go-lucky Jacob threw dice to decide on his next destination.

I find this book hard to review. It's easy to read and it feels like we know what we're getting, what with two people very much the opposite in character learning to get along because they keep running into each other and have an attraction. But I found both characters faintly ridiculous - neither Olivia's overplanning nor Jacob's dice throwing felt entirely normal. I enjoyed the Eat, Pray, Love-esque travelogue of India but I didn't need all that grief from Olivia about her dead sister who seemed to have had cancer for decades, nor did I appreciate the twist at the end. I felt like it came on too suddenly and was resolved too quickly.

There were a lot of things that irritated me - who gets signed off by a doctor for three months due to a breakdown at work and very coincidentally has a gifted three month holiday lined up? Can you even go on holiday if you're signed off sick with stress? Why would you go to the madhouse that is India instead of recuperating at home? Why would Jacob disappear for five years and not even contact his mother? That's cruel and childish, regardless of the reason we get at the end.

I looked over the content warnings for the books I have reviewed lately, and most had "grief" in there. Why is there so much grief in bookland right now? Is a story felt not to be deep enough without some sort of trauma?

I was expecting and hoping for a simple opposites attract story in colourful India with sunsets and nice food but this ultimately wasn't for me. In this case less might have been more. I would have liked a clearer cut ending as well. The cover's pretty though.

3.25 stars

My second read by Emily Houghton and I loved it as much as I thought I would. Very glad to be picked to read this arc.

I cannot even begin to express the excitement I have for this book. I absolutely adore Emily Houghton and always eagerly anticipate her next read. I love the opposites attract type story and I am thrilled to be able to acquire and share my thoughts on this one. I’m slowly catching up on reviews due to an unexpected health issue, but I know this will be at the top of my list to read! Please watch this space for updates.

I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions of India were absolutely beautiful. I liked the main characters and really enjoyed watching the relationship develop between them. The front cover is pretty and suits the style of book. I would recommend this one to my friends.

It is a skilful author who can take two somewhat irritating characters and turn them into someone you're rooting for. Olivia is mourning her sister, dead from cancer at a young age. She's reluctant to accept her dead sister's gift of a trip to India but when she has a breakdown at work, she gives in and goes. There she meets Jacob, good looking, self assured and confident in his belief that the universe knows better than anyone, trusting his next move to a throw of the dice. This is anathema to Olivia who likes everything planned down to the smallest detail. There's also the fact that he won't tell her why he's stayed away from home for so long.

I liked this book very much after i got over my initial irritation with both characters. Fortunately they do develop and it turns out Jacob has a very good reason for being the way he is. Recommended and thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

When I started this book, I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it, I found Olivia’s working situation a bit irritating and unrealistic. When the story moved to India, I DID start enjoying it, the characters, the vivid descriptions of India, the revelations of the family relationships.
Read and enjoy!

I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions of India were absolutely beautiful. I liked the main characters and really enjoyed watching the relationship develop between them. Recommended.