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Stolen #4

Stolen Chances

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Even second chances can be stolen…

Archaeologist Maren Hudson lost everything when a member of her team was killed during a routine dive. Nine years later she’s rebuilt her life, but a secret from her past forces her back into the career she left behind.

Salvage expert Thad Leighton has been in an emotional void since his brother’s murder, but when the opportunity for revenge arises, he can’t say no. Especially since it means being reunited with the one woman he’s never been able to forget.

Passion sparks between Maren and Thad as they work the dig together in Mexico. But when Thad uncovers Maren’s secret, the second chance they both thought they’d found is suddenly in jeopardy. Because Thad will have to choose between the vengeance that’s driven him all these years, or a love that has the power to heal them both.

ebook

First published September 17, 2013

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About the author

Elisabeth Naughton

69 books3,145 followers
Before topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—award winning author Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A voracious reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Elisabeth now writes full-time.

Though primarily known for her romantic suspense work, Elisabeth has penned over thirty books and continues to write in multiple genres, including paranormal romance and contemporary romance. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have earned several award nominations, including three prestigious RITA® nominations from Romance Writers of America. In 2017, REPRESSED, the first book in her Deadly Secrets series, won the RITA® for best romantic suspense.

Elisabeth's work has been praised by the Chicago Tribune as being filled with "deadly intrigue, high adrenaline action, and scorchingly hot passion.” Kirkus calls her "a writer talented enough at weaving a yarn to get her readers ensnared in it.” When not dreaming up new stories, Elisabeth can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home, wrangling two cats, or chasing after one very rambunctious Dalmatian.

Learn more about Elisabeth and her books at www.ElisabethNaughton.com.

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5 stars
134 (38%)
4 stars
138 (39%)
3 stars
66 (18%)
2 stars
8 (2%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 5, 2020
This book is the fourth book in the Stolen series. I really don’t know why except it’s about a treasure. It really stands alone and has nothing to do with any of the other books what so ever. (To bad)

This wasn’t the book for me. I did skim through the center of the story. Basically a secret child story where you profoundly wait FOREVER for the father to find out. I mean wait... forever.... and ever.....

I wanted to shake Maren and tell her to get a back bone or just feeeeeeaking buy a gun. Just to much whining and drama for me. She let the “villain” blackmail her into sex (so lets sort of call it rape) and beat her. REALLY… buy a gun !

If book 4 had anything to do with book 3 ... Maren could have called Hailey Roarke (from book 3) and had her come kick some baddie ass. If Naughton had dug into her past 3 books of tricks she had a whole team of pranksters to come to the aid of Maren and the book would have been soooooo much better.

Thad, (* Thad not on my list of favorite names ever) Started out annoying to me. But it was because of the voice Elizabeth Whiley used on him in the beginning of the book and then changed it one chapter later. Thad I had no emotions for, he was just here or not there for me.

Second chance romance … ugh … they deserve each other.

There is a paranormal element in this story that could have been developed more into the plot maybe with more history to make you care. Then the end with the “posse” that shows up, I was thinking, wait, what’s this?

Let’s get to the writing, It was very good. The scuba diving was written very well and made me want to try it someday. Talking about the boats and the treasure hunting kept my interest. Ms Naughton always connects her action and dialogue extremely well. I just didn’t like Maren or Thad …. ( you can't tell that can you )

Love Ms Naughton, will always read her. This was just a miss for me.

Enjoy ~
Profile Image for Lauren.
2,453 reviews159 followers
November 1, 2019
Stolen Chances
3 Stars

Nine years following their devastating break-up, archeologist Maren Hudson and salvage expert Thad Leighton team up once again in search of an ancient relic. But the secrets of the past endanger their second chance at happiness.

While the romance and suspense plots have potential and Naughton's writing is as engaging as ever, the book contains two tropes that never fail to annoy, i.e., .

Nevertheless, Maren and Thad are an engaging couple and their passion both physical and emotional is intense.

Looking forward to reading more of Naughton's tales of romance, suspense and adventure.
Profile Image for Teri.
1,797 reviews
September 21, 2019
3.5 stars, I think my issue was the audio book. Not that I think the narrator did a bad job, but I read things differently and I did not like how our MCs came across. anyhoo. I think I would read another one of these but I need to actually read it myself.
Profile Image for Kathy.
406 reviews57 followers
February 28, 2016
4 Stars
4 Words for Stolen Chances – romance, adventure, suspense, intrigue

Stolen Chances is the fourth book in Elisabeth Naughton’s Stolen series. This can be read as a standalone but you do meet characters from the previous books. It is easy to follow and once you experience this adventure you’ll want to start the series from the beginning.

For the past nine years Archaeologist Maren Hudson has been working at her mother’s hotel. But being behind a desk isn’t where Maren desires to be. When she receives an urgent call from her father Patrick she rushes to his side. Maren realizes all is not what it seems because when she arrives she comes face to face with Thad Leighton, the man who broke her heart 9 years ago. Sparks fly and they both can’t ignore their feelings for each other but Maren has secrets that will shatter any chance of a future together. On top of all this they are on a dangerous mission to uncover an ancient relic that is rumored to be cursed. The exotic setting of the Mexican Yucatan is perfect for a steamy romance with danger lurking around the corner. Stolen Chances was an exhilarating ride.

I love Elisabeth Naughton’s books. I’m a huge fan of her Eternal Guardians series. I know that with her books I’ll be taken on an adventure and Stolen Chances did not disappoint. The well-developed characters, sizzling romance and edge of your seat action are what this author delivers. My only complaint for Stolen Chances is at times the pace was slow. But I did love the clear the details of actions scenes and I can imagine these in a movie.

Overall Stolen Chances is the complete package (romance, action and drama) and I recommend this book to everyone looking for a new adventure.
Profile Image for Shauni.
1,061 reviews27 followers
September 18, 2013
Elisabeth Naughton has a talent that really speaks to me and as yet, I have not read a book she has written, that I did not love.. Stolen Chances just adds to the list!!

Stolen Chances is book four in her Stolen Series and in a way only a great author can do, Elisabeth nods to the past while making this book all about these two characters. Sure we see a couple of people from previous books, when and if they fit in. We get a mention on a couple of others so we have that connection. But the main story is in your face Maren Hudson and Thad Leighton.

That's not to say this book is all about the present because it's entire story is steeped in history. The history of these two dynamic individuals the history of the Americas and in a very real sense the history of women scorned everywhere.

Maren Hudson is a brilliant archeologist who is temporarily guarding her mother's legacy (nice way of saying she is taking care of mom's business) but when she gets a call from her father saying he is injured and she is needed, Maren drops everything to go to him. Even her daughter is left behind as Maren travels to a place where her world stopped.. Not having a clue that the love of her life and the one man she never wants to see again will be meeting her at the airport.

Thad Leighton had a moment in time where he had it all but when his brother was killed Thad lost it. Literally, everything.. even parts of himself. Now nine years later he has been called back to help the team find a missing statue that is cursed. And part of Thad believes it. After all the last time they went looking his brother died and he turned from the only woman he had ever loved.

I feel for Maren, she is manipulated by just about everyone and yet she manages to stay strong. To do what needs to be done and to be able to seriously love.. Her strength and integrity plays an important part saving not only herself but those she loves. But when she is faced with Thad day after day it gets harder and harder to remember all the times she has been hurt by love. The promise of what if is tantalizing as ever!

Thad on the other hand is more in your face gorgeous.. sure he has that love em and leave em vibe going on but we know there is so much more under the surface. We know this man feels deeply. He has just buried it all under layers of control.

But when the two connect.. yep! Fireworks!!

Elisabeth tells a wonderful story wrapped in legend and placed in the now. Complete with an insane bad guy and bit players that are good, or bad or.... yeah not sure where everyone will land until the final pages..

A Wonderful story about yesterday and today.. with promises of forever!

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of Stolen Chances, provided by netgalley
Profile Image for Sonya Heaney.
Author 6 books39 followers
Read
January 3, 2014
Originally posted HERE .

I started this series years ago, and had no idea any more books were planned. The second book, Stolen Heat, became a favourite of mine, with an angsty back from the dead theme.

Elisabeth Naughton might be more focused on paranormal books, but I love her romantic suspense (or as I see them labelled, Romantic Adventure) books. Realistic characters, mystery, lost relics and exotic destinations make for interesting reads.

I had a fright at the start of Stolen Chances, as it involves my #1 most hated theme: the secret baby (or child, as is the case here). It was based on my faith in this author alone that I continued reading, and I’m glad I did, as I thought the excuses for keeping the child secret were acceptable.

A lot of books in this genre are more concerned with being ‘sexy’ than having a story, and this is absolutely not the case here. I was impressed with the intricate storyline and the author’s obvious passion for the subject matter. It was such a relief to read a – you know – actual story for once!

Another thing I enjoyed was that I didn’t feel the need to go running back to books I read four years ago just to understand what was going on with the characters in this, the fourth book in the series.

I hate terms like, the thinking person’s so and so. However, Stolen Chances is a thinking person’s version of romantic suspense/adventure/whatever you wish to call it!



Review copy provided by NetGalley.
Profile Image for Sunny.
1,444 reviews
September 24, 2013
4.5 stars.

Full review at:
http://loveaffairwithanereader.blogsp...

Maren and Thad were hot and heavy 9 years ago when they are reunited for the search of an artifact that took the life of Thad's brother during the first search. But for Maren, she could not put that episode behind her. She now had a daughter from the relationship and a dangerous treasure hunter hounding her to try and find that artifact.

I've been reading a lot of new authors lately and although I have liked many of these books, it is a real pleasure reading work from a veteran writer. Elisabeth Naughton has outdone herself with book 4 in her Stolen series. She is at the top of her romantic suspense game with this book. It is suspenseful and emotionally engrossing. She writes the stories of reunited lovers so well. There is a certain yearning that comes with second chance stories and she manages to hit the right notes. Maren and Thad are wounded after their first relationship and now bring both maturity and baggage to this adventure. The plot is well thought out and there are plenty of twist and turns to keep me from going to bed on time. I was hanging on the edge throughout the story and absolutely did not want to put it down.

IN A NUTSHELL:
Loved. Loved. Loved. Best in the series.
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,490 reviews31 followers
February 18, 2014
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in place of an honest review.

Maren Hudson never thought she would go back to Mexico. She hasn't been there in nine years. She was a great Archaeologist and loved what she did. Everything changed when someone kidnapped her daughter. It was Evan and to say this guy is psycho is an understatement. Her dad tells her he is sick and needs her to come. What she wasn't expecting when she was picked up that it would be Thad Leighton. He left her nine years ago after the death of his brother. Now they are together again and they both are keeping secrets.

I loved this story and being a mother myself I can understand a mother doing anything she can to save her daughter. This book was very interesting from the start. I couldn't wait to see how this book was going to end. The author really knew how to keep my attention and I can say that I was never bored with any of this book. I just hate that this was the first book that I read in this series. I can't wait to read the first three books.
Profile Image for Missy.
910 reviews20 followers
June 21, 2015
A fascinating read.

This read was full in intrigue, awesome local, cool characters, and drama.

The chemistry was sweet between Thad and Maren, showing them what they had shared years before was true. A few years has managed to dull that heartache a bit but Maren is hiding some secrets that could costs them their lives.

I really thought the historical legend was interesting and the danger that surrounds it adds to the suspense of book......along with a true evil villian. All these make for an entertaining read. The author has an unique and enjoyable way of adding suspense to her books making them one of a kind amazing.
Profile Image for Diana Ricketts.
297 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2020
I have enjoyed this series and have found them to be a fun and suspenseful read. The first 3 seemed to all connect somehow but this one could definitely be read as a standalone. This was a second chance romance (which is one of my favorites). It also had a trope that I am not a fan of which kind of brought the excitement down for me. The suspense in the story was exciting. It had a touch of a paranormal feel which made it a bit more mysterious of a read. I also liked the way the villain was written. What Maren had to do for him was horrid but he was a well written villain. Other than the secrets Maren kept from Thad I really did enjoy them as a couple. I liked seeing them come back together especially seeing Thad change so much from that boy he seemed to be before. One other thing that made me happy was the outcome with Drummer. His role in the story brought a fun relief and I am glad he turned out to be who I wanted him. Overall I liked the story, there were just a few hiccups that I had trouble with. As always with Naughton, she writes beautifully and paints a great picture.
Profile Image for Jeriann Fisher.
713 reviews
January 21, 2018
DNF SPOILERS


When a mysterious  Mayan artifact resurfaces, two former lovers/archeologists get reunited and have to settle the  argument that split them apart. Now normally this is an adventure story I like and I was enjoying the book until I reached a plot point that probably needs a trigger warning. SPOILER BELOW.


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SPOILERS

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Spoiler.


In the intervening years, the heroine became coerced into a sexual relationship with the antagonist to ensure the life of her daughter and heroine is still guilt ridden and traumatized over that encounter. (The Hero doesn't know he has a daughter). Antagonist continues to threaten heroine & require regular "get togethers" where he debriefs her and reinforces his sexual dominance over her. Author doesn't call this rape and even has heroine denying that it is rape when she finally tells the hero about her experience!

I like adventure romance.  I love black ops military stories, too. I read a lot, some gritty authors like Elle Kennedy, who really puts  her characters through rough times. I draw the line at rape and the implication that the hero or heroine remains sexually involved with anyone but each other being a central plot point. (willingly or unwillingly). In my book, using coersion and threats to get someone else into a kinky,  "willing" sexual affair IS RAPE and needs a trigger and ruined the story for me.ï
Profile Image for Suzie Weber.
930 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2017
I enjoyed the first three books in the series. When I learned of a fourth I couldn't figure out how the characters from the first three would play in. For those of you who read the first three Lisa is in this book but a very secondary character. Her husband Rafe, is there and there is a spin at the end of the book that could have been enlarged to bring the whole cast in but.....
Maren has a love hate relationship with her father a treasure hunter/archeologist. He has found, so he thinks, again, what he has been searching for all of his life and drags her back in. Of course he also drags in Thad who she loved 9 years ago. Maren is cold because, as we learn early, she has an eight year old daughter that Thad knows nothing about.
So hunt for the treasure, get entangled w the bad guy, some deceit, lying, kidnapping and you have a story. I only gave this a 4 stars because when Thad and Maren are sort of starting back up there were a few pages where Thad reverted to a teenager who is God's gift to women and a super stud. That almost had me stop reading. Those kind of arrogant guys really turn me off. So I flagged the page and gave her a chapter to redeem herself for writing that and Thad acting his age. Thad did see the light.
All and all a very fun series. I would recommend all 4 books.
212 reviews
February 22, 2018
Stolen Chances

Thad and Maren had worked together and been a couple when they were younger. Both loved each other but Thad had walked away for reasons unknown to Maren. Mine years later they are both working for her father looking for lost buried treasure. Secrets and old hurts are between them.
But before they can find their way back to one another they have to confront the past and stop a mad man.

This book closes this series and it was really good. Several people in the other books were included .

Another page turner and wish their were more to the series

Just love how this author writes. Please read.
1,884 reviews17 followers
May 8, 2019
Excellent!

This is a new pair of lovers, separated over misunderstandings for nine years. They reconnect in the Yucatan in a search for a statue and a shipwreck of a Spanish galleon. It is well written, well developed, and rather intricate. Lisa and Rafe are part of the search crew. This is an excellent mystery, as a strange history and entwined past of the crew are revealed. One does not know whom to trust and the reader is fully engaged in their adventure
327 reviews4 followers
November 9, 2020
Great reading

Great reading about searching for treasures and the things they do for greed. Patrick and his daughter Medan are looking for the statue and someone is willing to do anything for it.
Profile Image for Margreet Asselbergs.
568 reviews44 followers
September 26, 2013
http://ripeforreader.blogspot.ca/2013...

My rating: 4 of 5 ⭐


When salvage expert Thad Leighton and archeologist Maren Hudson are both conned into returning to the Yucatan in search of an elusive treasure that cost a team member's life nine years ago, neither is particularly happy to be there. They certainly would have gladly avoided seeing each other. Things were not left very friendly when they parted ways and both held secrets they were eager to hang on to.

Maren's treasure hunting father had feigned illness to force Maren's hand, leaving her daughter behind in the care of her mother and her assistant. She quickly discovers the ruse and prepares to make a quick turnaround home, not prepared to get sucked into her father's destructive obsession once again. But one late night phonecall convinces her to stay, albeit unwillingly.

The murder of his brother, nine years ago, is what propelled Thad to return to the same hunt in the Yucatan. He still carries guilt over what happened to his younger sibling and would like nothing better than to see the hunt through this time and perhaps get some closure. He had not expected that seeing Maren again would knock the wind right out of him. Her effect on him had not changed one bit, if anything, she was more beautiful now than before and he had a hard time remembering why it was he had been in such a hurry to run from her.

Maren is hesitant to be accepting of Thad's advances, after all, he left her high and dry before, without returning any of her calls. Not only that, she had to be careful not to drop her guard around him and keep her secrets close to her chest. Her daughter's safety depended on it. But there was no denying the chemistry and they are inevitably drawn together, while Thad slowly peels away Maren's protective layers.

When a cave exploration goes awry, and the two of them are stranded in the jungle facing all types of danger, Maren lets slip the one secret she had been desperate to hang on to. But is only the first of many. As more secrets are exposed, it becomes clear how much danger really is out there......

******

What a ride!!! Great entertainment, it has adventure, intrigue, drama, romance and suspense!! And it ends with some phenomenal plot twists. I even has a paranormal flavour although 'mystical' is probably a better term to use and a flavour is all it is.....

I'd say this is exactly what a good, fast-paced adventure read should be like. Hits all the senses just right and has all the required elements nicely balanced.

The characters are interesting, quite a cast actually. Not particularly deeply explored, but sufficiently so, that their placement in the story is easily understood and explained. The only one we had to wait for some context for was Maren, obviously, since we only found out the full extent of her 'secrets' along with everyone else. Once we did, things became a little more clear about her motivations, since there is absolutely nothing any of us wouldn't do for our children. Although.......Maren's parents took a while to come to that conclusion!

The weaving of the story line with history and folklore was very well-done and an interesting deepening of the plot. It also brought out the slightly 'mystical' aspect, which was as I stated before, simply a touch here or there. Nothing overwhelming and easily dismissed for those not willing to buy in to anything not firmly rooted in science.

✨A thrilling, seductive and well written page-turner that keeps you guessing till the last page!!✨

**ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Season Publishing in return for an honest review.**
Profile Image for D.C..
Author 15 books93 followers
October 21, 2013
ABOUT THE BOOK:

Nine years ago, Archaeologist Maren Hudson lost everything when a member of her team was killed during a routine dive. Now she’s been drawn back to Mexico and the career she walked away from in order to protect the most precious thing in the world: her daughter.

One desperate phone call brings salvage expert Thad Leighton back to Mexico. For his murdered brother, he’s ready to settle the score, but one look at Maren and everything changes. Years may have passed, but she’s still as mesmerizing as she once was, and a few days on site together have him questioning his priorities and why the hell he walked away from her so long ago.

Sparks between them reignite, but Thad knows Maren is holding something back. Thrust together in the middle of the sweltering Yucatan, Thad is more than willing to strip away her layers. But while the truth might offer the second chance he’s been searching for, forgiveness may be as elusive as the relic they’re both hunting. Because when Thad unearths Maren’s biggest secret and discovers who she’s really working for, suddenly it’s not just about a life that was stolen from both of them, it’s about staying alive and outwitting a madman who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

MY REVIEW:

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and give an honest review in exchange for an ARC read. I will admit, and probably have to run in hiding, that this was my first Elizabeth Naughton read. I have to say, it definitely won’t be my last.

I try to not give away too much in my reviews, but I have to say, I loved the amount of deception that had to be included in this piece. You have several different pieces of the pie that don’t match up perfectly until the very end.

Here we Maren, who is a single mother trying to protect her daughter and doing everything she possibly can to mend a rift between her and her father as well as be the role model her child needs. Then, enter in Thad who stole her heart nine years ago, mix in some danger, and a lot of jealousy and HELLO hot, intense story.

I have to say there was a lot of background here and a lot that I typically would just skim over, but seeing as clues were given at every opportunity they could, each word had its grip on me throughout.

I highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a different take on suspense, and a whole lot of heat. Four out of five stars.
Profile Image for Shirley .
1,942 reviews58 followers
October 9, 2013
4 1/2 Stars.... Now I need to go back and read the 2nd and 3rd books in this trilogy turned series. *sigh*

I received Stolen Chances in exchange for a fair and honest review.

It is almost guaranteed that if I pick up a book by Elisabeth Naughton I am going to love it and I will not be able to put it down. The first book I picked up by her was Marked, the first book in her Eternal Guardians series. I’ve been hooked ever since. Contemporary or PNR, it doesn’t matter. Her characters and her writing style are fantastic regardless of the genre. As expected, Stolen Chances was no exception.

This is the 4th book in the Stolen series (which actually started out as being the Stolen Trilogy.) Even though I’ve only read the first book in this series (Stolen Fury) I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by skipping books 2 & 3. It was actually kind of okay because the featured couple from Stolen Fury was in this book as well. Just that connection gave me a frame of reference I may not have had otherwise, but I think that this book would have worked just as well as a stand alone.

As for the book itself? I loved it. I liked Maren from the beginning. I liked how the secrets about her past were slowly revealed. I liked her devotion to her daughter and her passion about her work. Her situation was heartbreaking and as much as I loved Thad I totally understood her reluctance to let him in.

And then there was Thad… I wasn’t sure about him at first but I ended up really liking him and hoping that he could get through Maren’s wall. Turns out they both had secrets that proved to be major turning points.

The supporting characters were also great. Her friends were fun and fiercely loyal. Her parents were interesting, in many ways and her daughter was perfect. I loved her personality. I like it when kids are portrayed as strong a character as their adult counterparts. She wasn’t around much, but when she was her presence wasn’t just a plot device, it was a great addition.

The bad guys were ruthless, there were moments when you weren’t exactly sure who you should trust and the sizzling heat between Maren and Thad kept things more than interesting. Even though this is a contemporary romance there was still an element of ‘magic’ and mystery that was an addition I loved. Basically, this book had everything I love in a good romance – which, as you may have already guessed, came as no surprise at all.
Profile Image for Tory Michaels.
Author 4 books79 followers
September 29, 2013
When I requested this, for some reason I thought I’d read at least one of the prior books in their entirety, though I knew I hadn’t read all of them. But now, I seriously question that belief. I remember checking them out from the library, but actually reading them…not so much, it seems. However, for the most part, that lack of reading the rest of the series, didn’t impair my enjoyment of this book. Since reading it, I’ve read one and a half of the other books and while the characters are connected, the plots aren’t entirely.

Now, for my thoughts on this book. I loved Maren, and her daughter, while constantly in her thoughts had very little screen time. One of my favorite scenes in the entire book came near the beginning when Maren gets a call from one of the hotel’s groundskeepers (she’s running a hotel for her mother when the story opens) about an excavation being done on one of the sand traps. Maren’s daughter loves archaeology like her mother, and had recruited some hotel guest kids into helping her dig for artifacts in a sand trap. Hilarious because I could so see a kid doing that.

Thad was strong in his own right and not an arse even when he discovers Maren has a child…his child. Oh, he’s pissed, but can you blame him? He works through that issue and comes right back in supporting Maren as they struggle to protect her and everything around her from Evan Declan, a sinister man who wants the statue that Maren, her father and the others throughout the book are searching for.

There was a secret society in this book, focused around protecting the statue and descendants of the one who originally cursed the thing, which I found a nice little subplot.

Overall, this was a great book and got me way interested in reading the rest of the series. As usual with Elisabeth Naughton’s works, I couldn’t put it down once I seriously started reading it. Five-star rating from me!
Profile Image for Emsy Van Wyck.
200 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2013
Elisabeth Naughton steals our hearts once again with a new addition to her Stolen series, Stolen Chances

I first got hooked on Elisabeth Naughton when I read Stolen Fury, the first book in her Stolen Series. I quickly devoured the next two books - Stolen Heat and Stolen Seduction, then moved on to her also addictive Eternal Guardians series. I had no idea she'd expand on the Stolen trilogy, but was absolutely delighted when her publisher offered a review copy of book four in the series, Stolen Chances.

We first met the heroine of book four, archaeologist Maren Hudson, in Stolen Fury, but now she's back with a storm. Blackmailed into going on a dig with her father in the Yucatan, Maren encounters the last person she wanted to ever see again, salvage expert Thad Leighton who had thrown her love back and deserted her after a tragic death on the last dig she'd been on in the Yucatan.

Maren's keeping a lot of secrets from Thad, including one that they both should have been sharing, but can her secrets kill her? What seems on the surface to be an exciting deep-sea archaeological discovery turns threatening and who's on whose side in this race for a precious statue keeps changing.

Naughton delivers a fast-paced, suspenseful novel that also offers a little magic and a whole lot of HOT romance. It's definitely a page-turning, stay-up-all-night read!

If you haven't already read the first three books in Naughton's Stolen series, you can get them together in the Stolen Series Box Set: Stolen Fury, Stolen Heat, and Stolen Seduction. I'd highly recommend reading these first, even though book four could be a stand-alone, as there are just really great additions to your romantic suspense library.

Fab Fantasy Fiction
http://www.fabfantasyfiction.com/2013...

I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley for use in this review.
Profile Image for Gretchen.
952 reviews148 followers
October 4, 2013
3.5 stars

Overall I thought this was a really great book. The main characters had a strong chemistry and there is adventure entwined in the story as well as romance.

I liked Maren and Thad a lot. I really enjoy learning about their past together and how the story unfolded and them coming together again. They share a history, have a pull towards one another, and their attraction is obvious. They're still drawn to one another after all this time – I could really get a sense of longing from both of them. There was a slow build in the heat department and then bam! major hotness!

I enjoyed the treasure hunt aspect of the story that they were on, it reminded me of Indiana Jones in a way and that extra element of danger and intrigue made for a really exciting story. I think I might have enjoyed that a bit more than the romance part. I thought the other characters were well developed and I was left with no lingering questions.

The ending was fantastic! It made the book for me. All the drama and then how everything played out – perfect. It was a great movie type ending, I could totally picture it.

I will say that I really enjoyed it but I never felt fully connected. I did think there were parts that were a little drawn out. It had all the key elements that make for a great story, I just never had that couldn’t put it down feeling. There was chemistry, attraction, and major intrigue throughout and I thought it was a solid book, definitely worth the read.

This book can be read as a stand alone book.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
4,913 reviews83 followers
September 8, 2016
The Yucatan doesn't have fond memories for salvage expert Thad Leighton or archeologist Maren Hudson. His brother and her team member, Colin, was murdered, putting enough pressure on Thad that he disappeared without knowing he was to become a father. Each heartbroken for years and missing what they had together neither is prepared to be thrown back into each other's worlds.

Maren's father continued to look for the artifact they were searching for and nine years later, he believes he's found it. He intrigues Thad enough to return and manipulates Maren to drop everything to rush to Mexico. Furious at her father's deception and angry about being in Thad's presence, Maren still doesn't share their news.

Neither time nor distance has been able to diminish their feelings. Thad puts everything he has into gaining a second chance for them and devotes himself to not only getting to know this Maren, he wants to make a place for himself in her future. Slowly Thad does discover not only the news but Maren's deepest secret and tries to help find a way for all of them to survive.

The final installment of the sometimes wonderful, sometimes too predictable, sometimes frustrating and always action packed Stolen series was all of those things. Though a few twists seemed obvious and telegraphed, they were only tips of treacherous icebergs in uncharted waters.
Rating:4stars
Profile Image for ♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡.
939 reviews87 followers
September 28, 2013
LOVE this author!! Since the first moment I bought one of her special priced Argonaut books, I have been stuck on this author! I am a true fan!! I will read ALL her books no matter the type of story! She's just that good! Plus, she's totally original!

This one is part of her treasure hunting "Stolen" series! I love these too! I just looked & there are 2 I haven't read & I have no idea why! I will be buying those asap! Meaning in like an hour or so!

There isn't much to say about this book unless I rehash the synopsis, so I won't. Just know it was good! The only thing I can complain about was that it was 66% through, before Maren finally told Thad about her daughter...

Oh... Many authors don't truly "go there" in a contemporary book as far as abuse against women goes. They simply say it almost happened etc. This book pushed it & it went somewhere else that I have never read in a book. It was an awesome thing to "go there" with this... Kind of an odd twist on that one.

All I can keep saying is that it was good!

Her writing style is compared to Maya Banks & Cherry Adair.

Profile Image for DebbieReadsBooks.
2,620 reviews45 followers
September 20, 2013
and she has done it again! Elizabeth brings us another in the Stolen series, it tells of Maren and Thad. they have history, a little more hostile than Thad knows about and it's a while before be finds out thAt he has a daughter with Karen from their previous affair.
this book has action, danger, hot sex, a dysfunctional family and a slightly insane man up to no good! It's story is based around an item dated back to the Spanish invasion of the new world, and whether this item is a reality or not, all is explained fully an it matters not whether you know history or not.

a welcome addition to the series, made all the more enjoyable because Lisa and Rafe (from the first book in the series) play a large part!
2,719 reviews8 followers
March 29, 2014
Another winner by Elisabeth Naughton! I have loved the other 3 books in her Stolen series and couldn't wait to read this newest installment. Lisa and Rafe made an appearance, but Thad and Maren stole the show.

Thad and Maren reconnect after 9 years and still feel the same spark from years ago. As usual, the romance in this book was fantastic. Thad has clearly matured since leaving Maren, and it was great to watch him realize what is important in life.

As with the other books in this series, the archaeology and treasure hunt components were incredibly interesting and kept me fully engaged. I adore this series and hope there are more books to come!
64 reviews
September 23, 2013
Once again, Elisabeth Naughton knocks it out of the park with another great book! Stolen Chances is the fourth book in her Stolen Series, and one great thing is this book can be read in order or as a stand alone (I myself like them in order but I've also been hooked since day one). This book tells the story of Maren Hudson and Thad Leighton. I absolutely loved the chemistry between Maren and Thad and I loved that they had a history! I love the adventure, the romance, and the mystery that surrounds this story and I absolutely fell in love with these characters.
Profile Image for Brent Soderstrum.
1,556 reviews20 followers
April 28, 2014
Number 4 of the soft core porn "Stolen" series by Elisabeth Naughton. This one deals with Maren and Thad getting back together after a diving incident nine years ago when Thad's brother Colin was killed. Patrick, Maren's father and the driving force behind the search for La Miliche gets the old gang back together and sparks begin again. Maren has a child from their last get together nine years ago but Thad knows nothing about Isabel.

I enjoyed some of the story but the end was a little over the top for me. That plus the graphic love scenes was a little too much for me.
Profile Image for Angela Wagner.
34 reviews4 followers
September 29, 2013
The latest in the Stolen series didn't disappoint. As usual this author smoothly entwines deep emotions, strong storyline and lots of action. Maren and Thad are a great couple. Love that Lisa and Rafe were part of the story as well. The historical information was another great treat as it is in all the Stolen stories. One item that was aggravating was the baseball inaccuracy. How no one editing didn't see it's not Red Socks it's Red Sox. Bad research on that one.
1,237 reviews7 followers
November 19, 2015
Another great book by Elisabeth Naughton. I really enjoy these. I wasn't sure how this one would be as it introduced new main characters. But Maren and Thad were instantly interesting and a few favorites from previous books showed up.

I haven't read any of Naughton's paranormal series but I had always stayed away from contemporary romance until I read my first of Elisabeth's books. Maybe I'll give the paranormal a a shot. I do enjoy her writing.
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