by Karen (link)
Genre het, romance
Pairings Isaac/OFC
Length 27 chapters
Status Completed (first in a series)
From the beginning, I can tell that Karen had a clear plan for this series of stories, and I always appreciate that in an author. This one is focused on Isaac, which is refreshing and different, especially in the early days when Chances Are was written.
At least, it’s mostly focused on Isaac. The chapters are each narrated by a different person, which is a little confusing and mostly unnecessary. None of their voices are really distinct, so I’m constantly having to double check who is narrating. The chapters are also a little on the short side, and there are several abrupt jumps forward in time. All of these little problems sometimes make it really hard to connect to Karen’s writing, especially when the chapters are at times very short.
The plot is fairly solid, though, as it traces the development of Isaac and Rebecca’s relationship. It begins with the fairly unique premise that Rebecca’s aunt is directing Hanson’s first music video. From there, the story follows the next five years of Ike and Becca’s life in fairly short bits and pieces. I wouldn’t have minded an even longer story so that I could see that relationship progress more, but the way it all worked out in the end felt right. I’m curious to see how the other three stories fit into the series and what they have to add to it. Chances Are isn’t the strongest series beginning ever, but it had some good moments.
Review by Bethany (website)