Chaser: A Dive Bar Novel

Chaser was nothing I expected. I’ve been nicely surprised by Kylie’s writing style before, so I wasn’t expecting anything else. But I didn’t know when I agreed to read the book (very bad from me) that it was told from his POV, and no one else's. It was a very nice surprise and my first book from the male POV. And let me tell you what I thought of it: Erik is a fun guy to be around. He’s sexy as hell, he has a wonderful sense of humor and yumminess just emanates from him… basically, he’s a total babe. It’s no wonder is a total manwhore, and he knows it. He believes he’s upfront about it and never disappoints the ladies. But lately he finds himself in a moment in life in which he starts questioning if how he’s decided to live is the right way to do it. Even if Erik is considering settling down and leave all the one night stands behind, there’s something he would never consider… babies. Babies were totally out of his comfort zone. Once upon a time he could’ve been a father, but ultimately it didn’t happen. So having a steady girlfriend, have a committed relationship, growing up (in a way) was something he was willing to do… having a family was a whole other matter. That was, until he met Jane. One afternoon Jane entered the bar Erik co-owns with his best friends, and completely blows him away. The moment he sees her, he know that she’s the woman of his dreams. He starts planning dates, meeting the parents, living together, … the whole nine yards until he realizes that she’s pregnant. Erik didn’t see that coming, and even if he know that staying away from her is the best for both of them, he keeps being attracted to Jane in one way or another. And I was glad it did, because they’re a wonderful pair together. There’s a lot of struggle from Erik’s part in surrendering for the feelings he has for Jane. Those were the moments I wished I could read what she was thinking and understand what was going through her head. The author did a wonderful job by depicting everything that was happening, but me being me, I wish I could know her side of the story. There are several times that I wanted to slap Erik and make him get his act together, and I couldn’t be happier about the HEA. This is a very interesting romance. Seeing how Erik had to give his feelings a chance and put his worries and concerns about commitment somewhere productive (and not allow them to hurt his relationship with Jane). I loved to see how he grew up (and a pair) and finally accepted that there was no other ending than having Jane, and her baby, in his life. There’s also some unexpected twists that add to the story. It is definitely a series you can’t miss. I know I want to read the rest.

3.75 stars--intoxicating and inspiring 3.75 stars--CHASER is the third instalment in Kylie Scott’s contemporary, adult DIVE BAR romance series-a spin off from the author’s STAGE DIVE rock series. This is bar owner Eric Collins, and Jean Antal’s story line. CHASER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and back-stories. Told from first person point of view (Eric Collins) CHASER follows the building relationship between thirty year old bar owner Eric Collins, and new comer Jean Antal-a twenty two year old, pregnant and single young woman who has moved from her home town in Jacksonville, Florida to start a new life in Coeur d’Alene, on the invitation of her friend Nell Hewson. Moving into the vacant apartment above the Dive Bar found our heroine face to face with one of the owners, Eric Collins, the man with whom Jean will fall in love. What ensues is the slow building relationship between Eric and Jean, and the potential fall-out as Jean considers moving back to Jacksonville Florida; and the ongoing turmoil between Eric and his business partner Nell Hewson, a woman whose tirades against our story line hero are nothing less than venomous and rude. Eric’s reputation as a manwh*re finds our hero the target of Nell Hewson’s countless verbal attacks; Nell’s constant berating and censure gets olds pretty fast for Eric as well as this reader but Eric and Nell’s history is rocky, at best. Eric is determined to clean up his act but the non-stop reminders of his previous reputation is disheartening as Eric struggles to move on from his past. Jean Antal just wants to start over in a new town, far away from her unsupportive parents. Befriending Eric Collins led to a familiar support system that allowed our heroine to survive the early days after her child’s birth. Falling in love was never on the agenda but the heart knows what it wants, against the advice of family and friends. With so many people warning Eric against hurting our story line heroine, it is a wonder he didn’t walk away, and start over himself. The relationship between Jean and Eric is one immediate attraction tempered by Nell Hewson’s belligerent and constant belittling of our story line hero. With the help of the Dive Bar owners and friends but especially her friendship with Eric Collins, Jean’s life begins to flourish. The slow building romance is palpable; the $ex scenes are limited but passionate and seductive. There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Vaughn and Lydia (Dirty #1), Alex and Joe (Twist #2), Nell and Patrick, as well as Jean’s parents Leah and Will, and Eric’s mother Audrey; Eric’s best friend and owner of the building Andre, Dive Bar staff Taka, Rosie and Boyd, as well as the cameo appearances of the members of the rock band Stage Dive including fan favorite Mal. The world building continues to focus on the family and friends at the Dive Bar including the acrimonious relationship between Nell and Eric, a relationship damaged by grief and loss. Eric’s growth and his maturity level blossoms throughout the story, a growth noticed by everyone but Nell. The witty, back and forth banter between characters is absent, something that is definitely missing from the last few stories-I miss Mal and his unfiltered antics, playful attitude and sense of humor. CHASER is a story of friendship, love, family and heartbreak. The premise is intoxicating and inspiring; the characters are energetic and sassy; the romance is intimate and captivating. CHASER is an encouraging and uplifting story about two people finding love against the odds.

This is my first time reading anything by Kylie Scott, and I'm eager for more. Written entirely from Eric Collin's POV, Chaser was so much more than I expected. Eric mainly wants a good time, though lately, he's searching for something else deeper. He's eager to prove he's not the total charming-but-I'm -a-douche-bag character that everyone seems to think he is. Falling for Jean, a new arrival in town and a mother-to-be, doesn't fit his plans, nor makes sense for many reasons. Yet, Eric can't stay away from Jean & baby Ada, no matter how many evasive tactics he tries. Accepting that love & family can sometimes find you when you least expect it is a lesson both Jean & Eric learn as they navigate their not-so-normal relationship. I really liked how Kylie Scott made us "feel" Eric's frustrations. I felt that she had a good handle on all his emotions, and I liked how she was able to turn his character around from zero to hero in a believable & heartwarming way. His growth and transformation are nothing short of swoon-worthy. The way he was with Ada was adorable! I enjoyed his internal dialogue - it was insightful, as well as hilarious. This is a great read. I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.