Chances

I can not say enough good things about this book. Once you get into the flow of the different POV’s and time jumps, it is such a deeply rooted story and one that I believe has stood the test of time. Being from a past time period, the only draw back for me was the numerous racial slurs. They didn’t really move the story forward and I for one could have done without them

I remember as a young girl growing up, my mother used to read Jackie Collins' books. I used to sneak them to my room and try to read them, but I would never get past the 1st chapter because she would always catch me and snatch it away, saying I wasn't "old enough" to read books like this... Boy was mom right! At age 10 I would NEVER be able to appreciate "books like this". CHANCES by Jackie Collins is one word -UNPARALLED. Never before have I read a novel so gripping and full of emotion... it is to the point where someone tomorrow can ask me "what is your favorite book?"... and instead of my answer being "too many to name"... I will respond "Chances". Meet Gino Santangelo - mob boss, father, business man, player, friend...he is all of these things and more. Gino had a very tough life growing up. His mother left him and his father when he was just a young boy and his father lashed out by turning into an abusive monster. He went from home to home, where he toughened up, got smart and vowed to never be like his dad. Collins' takes us through his entire life, never missing a beat. We watch him grow, and become one of the most successful casino and hotel owners. But then an unfortunate event takes place banning Gino from America. Who will take his place? In comes Lucky his stunning daughter, who is a carbon-copy of her father in every way imaginable. She is determined to be bigger and better then her old man. In this book we are also introduced to Carrie, a woman who was forced into prostitution at the tender age of 12, paving the way for the unfortunate circumstances she had to suffer through. Both Carrie and Gino's stories ones to always remember. Compelling, and out of this world, CHANCES is really a 10 star book. I will definitely be picking up the 2nd book in the Santangelo saga. Bravo Ms. Collins!!

If I could give Chances more than five stars I would! Chances is the first Jackie Collins book that I have ever read and I think that I started with the right one. Chances takes you from 1913 all the way up to 1979 in a tale that begins with Gino Santagelo the infamous mob boss and his rise to power. Gino came from very humble begings, an abusive father, a mother who abandoned him at the sage of five and a damageing stint in a juvinle detention center yet managed to work his way up to owning two of the most successful hotel & casinos in Las Vegas. But once Gino is force into exile his duaghter the beautiful Lucky Santangelo takes over the family business and makes a name for herself as one of the most powerful women in Las Vegas. And lets not forget the story of Carrie and her son Steven. Carrie was forced into prostitution at a very young age and lived a life filled with drugs and alcohol that took her from various whorehouses to running a very successful one of her own, until the birth of her son Steven that is, when she managed to find a better life for her and her son. This was a brilliantly written story, however, while the chapters that focused on Gino may have been more exciting, Carrie's story was really superbly written. This book is really a great lead in to the second installment of this series 'LUCKY' which I plan to begin reading right away. I give Chances 6 Stars!

This book is the birth of Gino Santangelo's career of a gangster and business, Carrie's tumultous life from thirteen in prostitution and drugs to her rise as one of the most elegant black women in America, and Lucky's childhood cut short by the murder of her mother, her rendevous with Olympia Stanislopulous in Europe, and start in the business her father created. As with Lucky, the other characters in her book make it a good read. The NBC movie did a great disservice to the novel.

I've wondered for a long time just what the hubbub was surrounding Jackie Collins' books. I finally decided to investigate for myself, and since I enjoy reading fiction that involves the Mafia, I settled upon _Chances_, the first book in the Santangelo family saga. Wow! What a read! Suspense, steamy sex, violence, intrigue... it's all there. I found myself with a giant crush on the tough Gino Santangelo, and I came to admire his headstrong daughter, Lucky. Collins creates quite a memorable cast of characters in this novel. Some reviewers have noted that the story seemed "dated," as this book was published in 1975, but I thought this was an unfair criticism. Afterall, all the great works of literature are "dated." Not that I'm equating this book with great literature, but I thought this made the book even more appealing... giving the reader (who, like me, might have been very young in the 70's) a glimpse into that era. If you're a fan of Mafia-esque novels, and you're looking for a book that will immediately draw you in and carry you away, this is one I would recommend. I could hardly put it down! Now, I'm getting started on the sequel because I just don't want the journey to end!

Chances is a non-stop action. If you like sex, murder, intrigue, love and lust, the Santangelo Family for you. Gino the Ram who is almighty and powerful and a up and coming star Lucky Santangelo who has yet to begin her adventures. I have read all of Jackie Collins books except her latest LA Connections which will be next. But if you want to start at the beginning of the Santangelo Family saga, Chances is where I got hooked. ENJOY IT I did.